Vol. 574 No. 2
101 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the ratio of pupils to computers in primary schools in the State; the ratio of pupils to computers in secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26569/03]
Since the introduction of a national programme for ICT in schools in 1998, there has been a substantial increase in the number of computers in Irish schools. In late 2002 and early 2003, the National Centre for Technology in Education conducted a census of schools' ICT infrastructure following similar exercises in 1998 and 2000. The census found that since 1998 the total number of computers in first and second level schools increased from 36,000 to approximately 85,000. As a result, average pupil to computer ratios have reduced from 37:1 to just over 11:1 at primary level and from 16:1 to 9:1 at second level.
The OECD report, Education at a Glance, states that Irish schools believed their performance was being held back by lack of computers and laboratory equipment. Improvements have been made, but does the Minister agree we need to go further? Is he satisfied with the use being made of computers provided for schools, in terms of maximum benefit to children? When the current three year strategy ends in December, has the Minister another strategy in place and what are his intentions in that regard?
I agree with the Deputy that the more computers we can get into schools and the faster we can do so, the better. We have made good progress and we need to make further progress in this area. I am not satisfied with the use of computers within the school system. I believe they are still seen as an ancillary in many cases.
They are gathering dust.
I do not believe they are gathering dust, but they are not adequately used for teaching purposes. That is partly due to the lack of broadband access, to which I referred in a statement last Monday. The telecommunications companies should come forward with a voluntarily funded programme of broadband interconnection for schools. That would be beneficial to the country, the telecommunications companies and, obviously, the education system. What was the Deputy's third question?
Is there a new strategy to replace the current three year strategy?
The NCTE is currently drawing up a new blueprint in that regard.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
