Vol. 509 No. 4
356 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Education and Science when the IT 2000 grants for computer equipment in schools will be paid; and if the amount payable will be the same as 1999, that is £2,000 plus £5 per child. [20620/99]
Strand 1 of the technology integration initiative – TII – of Schools IT 2000 recognised the need to make rapid initial progress in developing ICT infrastructure in schools. In order to achieve this all schools in the free education system at primary and post-primary levels received grants as follows in May 1998.
An implementation plan for strand 2 of the TII is currently being finalised by my Department. In this regard also, an expert study is considering future technology infrastructure options, equipment selection, wiring, deployment of equipment, etc., for schools. I will announce the details of the strand 2 grants very shortly. I would, however, point out to the Deputy that simply repeating strand 1 would not be in keeping with achieving the objectives set out for the Schools IT 2000 programme.
