The Deputy will be aware that in November last year the Minister published the ‘Smart Schools = Smart Economy' report, which is the new action plan on integrating ICT in schools, produced by the joint advisory group established by the Minister in 2009. This report builds on the earlier Strategy Group report, ‘Investing Effectively in ICT in Schools' and both reports make recommendations to support the integration of information communications technology (ICT) in teaching and learning in schools.
As a first step in implementing these recommendations, €22m in ICT grants was issued to primary schools in November last, with the priority on ensuring that there is a teaching computer and digital projector in every classroom. The teaching computer will be connected to the schools Local Area Network and to the digital projector in order to access and show curriculum-based digital content. Both Reports have advised that this combination is an extremely useful and effective teaching tool that facilitates a range of learning opportunities in whole-class teaching scenarios.
Only if a school already has a teaching computer and digital projector in place in each classroom, can the ICT grant be used to purchase other devices such as digital video devices, visualisers, printers, speakers and interactive whiteboards etc, to further develop the schools ICT infrastructure. A list of such recommended additional equipment has also been issued to schools.
The Deputy will be aware that all purchasing using public monies must be carried out in compliance with public procurement regulations. Schools have been notified that all purchasing of ICT equipment must be in compliance with public procurement rules, and Department of Finance Framework Agreements where available.