Ulick Burke
Ceist:24 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in informing schools of the procedures under which they can obtain multimedia computers and train nominated teachers. [3634/98]
Written Answers. - Computerisation Programme.
Ivor Callely
Ceist:41 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education and Science the supports, if any, in place for teachers in national and secondary schools to train teachers in IT information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3489/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 41 together.
I have recently established the National Centre for Technology in Education, NCTE. Its remit is to manage the implementation of IT 2000 in accordance with the organisational arrangements outlined in my Department's framework policy document, Schools IT 2000 — a Policy Framework for the New Millennium.
Recently, I have appointed a board of management to manage the NCTE. This board has already met and is drawing up implementation plans for meeting the goals and objectives of the schools IT 2000's initiative.
The Director of the NCTE has recently been appointed and is due to take up duty on 16 February 1998. Additionally, interviews to appoint four national co-ordinators have also been held recently. On taking up duty the director of NCTE will be setting in place administrative arrangements and operational procedures for developing an information and communication technology infrastructure, including multi-media PCs in first and second level schools, and will organise relevant comprehensive inservice training programmes for teachers.