Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004
277 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Science if he proposes to provide computer hardware for primary schools; the level of investment in computer hardware for primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9132/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 1998, my Department has provided funding of more than €140 million for the schools' ICT programme, including capital grants for computer hardware and software, teacher training and a range of support services to promote ICT in teaching and learning in schools.
Under the schools IT 2000 initiative 1998-2000, €22 million was made available to primary schools in ICT capital grants while a further €35 million was provided to primary schools under the Blueprint for the Future of ICT in Education, 2001-2003. In this period, significant progress has been made in enhancing access to and use of ICT in primary schools. The average pupil to computer ratio has fallen from 37:1 to just over 11:1, every school has been provided with an Internet connection and approximately 90% of teachers have acquired basic training in the use of ICT, while many teachers have gone on to undertake further training.
Future funding for computer hardware in primary schools will be considered in the context of available resources and plans for a new schools' ICT strategy which are currently at an advanced stage of preparation in my Department.
