Paul Connaughton
Ceist:354 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason there is not some financial support either by way of grant aid or tax incentives for teachers who attend the post-graduate diploma course in information and communications technology in education at the Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, under the auspices of the University of Limerick; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the part-time course begins on Friday evenings and continues for most of the day on Saturday with a total number of lecture hours amounting to 235; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are fees of £1,350 together with the purchase of a computer and printer to the value of £1,500 together with course books, computer software, overnight accommodation and travelling expenses; if there are any financial incentives to help defray the huge cost involved in those courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14465/00]