Vol. 484 No. 2
27 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to his recent speech (details supplied) if he will ensure that his vote of confidence in the Internet generation does not enhance current inequalities of skill and income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20322/97]
I wish to assure the Deputy that a recent speech on the occasion of the launch of the education technology investment fund highlights the commitment of the present Government to addressing the future needs of our education system. The fund will help to protect and to promote job creation and it will also ensure that a clear medium-term framework is in place for financing the development of scientific and technological education in Ireland.
I am very conscious of the need to ensure that current inequalities of skill and income are not increased or reinforced. I will ensure that appropriate structures are in place to facilitate access to education, training and skill development for those who are disadvantaged or excluded at present. At the recent launch of Schools IT 2000 — A Policy Framework for the New Millennium, I clearly stated that I will target assistance at disadvantaged schools, both rural and urban, in order to ensure that all schools are operating on a level playing pitch with regard to access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) for education.
In particular, I am putting in place the infrastructure to ensure that all schools have sufficient computers and Internet access and that teachers have the requisite training and skill development to integrate ICTs effectively into first and second level curricula. Arrangements for the provision of ICTs will be applied in such a way as will ensure that schools in disadvantaged areas, urban and rural, will not fall behind schools with access to greater resources.
