In 1998 my Department initiated the ICT in schools programme against the background of a relatively low level of provision in schools at the time. In the past five years €140 million was invested. The money covered grants for computer equipment, ICT training and support programmes for teachers and a range of support services for schools. The general objectives of the programme are to provide students with access to ICT enabled learning; to promote and develop a strong ICT skills base; and to enhance the quality of teaching and learning through ICT.
Significant progress has been made since 1998. The average pupil to computer ratio has been reduced from 37:1 to just over 11:1 at primary level and from 16:1 to 9:4 at post-primary level. Every school has an Internet connection, albeit via a narrowband dial-up facility. Over 34,000 teachers availed of ICT training programmes that concentrated on ICT skills. More recently the programmes have evolved to deal with the practical application of ICT to enhance teaching and learning. ICT is also being included in pre-service training for teachers. A regional network of 20 educational ICT advisers has been put in place.
Operating from the teacher education centres, the ICT advisory service is playing a key role in furthering effective use of ICT by supporting and advising principals and teachers on a range of ICT issues. A wide range of innovative pilot projects on various aspects of technology use in schools has been undertaken. There has also been significant engagement, at local level, in ICT planning and development in schools. Many schools receive significant support from parent groups, local communities, business and third level colleges.
At the end of last year my Department completed a programme entitled Blueprint for the Future of ICT in Irish Education. At present it is formulating a policy plan for the period 2004 to 2007 for the continued integration of ICT into first and second level education.
The policy plan will take into consideration the current status of integration in schools and assess the priorities for moving the process forward. Each element referenced in the Deputy's question will receive consideration within the policy plan and, having regard to individual priority ascribed and the finances available to me, will be the subject of a policy response. I hope to soon be in a position to announce details of my deliberations.
