Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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229. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the schools in County Kildare in which the new leaving certificate subject of computer science will be implemented in September 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29986/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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My Department has established a steering group to oversee the phased implementation of Leaving Certificate Computer Science from September 2018. Schools will be invited to apply to participate in the first phase of implementation in the autumn of this year.

Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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230. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the funding being made available to schools to set up the new leaving certificate subject of computer science in September 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29987/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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My Department is committed to curricular reform in relation to STEM. The introduction of computer science subject at senior cycle in September 2018 is an example of this commitment. My Department has established a steering group to oversee the phased implementation of Leaving Certificate Computer Science from September 2018. This group will look at the precise level of supports which will be required to meet the requirements from the specification, which is due to be sent out for consultation this week by the NCCA.

Schools will be invited to apply to participate in the first phase of implementation in the autumn of this year. All schools, offering the new subject will have access to a programme of significant professional development support. Schools will also be able to use the funding available under the ICT Infrastructure grant to support teaching and learning, which can include specific curriculum supports, including Leaving Certificate Computer Science, in due course.