Richard Bruton
Ceist:354 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the specification of the proposed multimedia computers for primary and secondary schools; and the cost per unit on which these estimates are based. [21917/97]
Written Answers. - Computerisation Programme.
The specification, and hence the cost per unit, of the multimedia computers to be made available to schools under Schools IT 2000 will vary in line with the evolution of the technology throughout the course of the programme. The National Centre for Technology in Education, NCTE, will be responsible for establishing specifications appropriate to the needs of schools and for keeping these up to date.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:355 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the projected level of hours per week that multimedia machines will be in use in primary and in secondary schools; if rental or running costs will fall on the school; and, if so, the estimate of the working cost. [21918/97]
As professionals, teachers will use information and communication technologies, ICTs, as and when necessary to support the achievement of educational objectives. Targets for hours of usage per week in first and second level schools have not been set at this stage. The National Centre for Technology in Education, NCTE, will examine this matter. It will also examine a range of options with respect to funding of rental and running costs of ICT equipment into the future.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:356 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide schools with software which will prevent access by school users to Internet sites that are unsuitable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21919/97]
The question of assisting schools in preventing access to unsuitable Internet sites is one which will be examined by the National Centre for Technology in Education, NCTE, in implementing the Schools IT 2000 programme. Appropriate action will be taken by the NCTE following consideration of the measures or combination of measures which provide the most effective barrier to illegal and harmful use of the Internet in the context of Irish schools.
An interim report of a working group on the illegal and harmful use of the Internet, which is under the chairmanship of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, will be published shortly. My Department is represented on the working group and its recommendations in relation to child issues will be particularly helpful to the NCTE in deciding on the actions to be taken in this important area.