Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join the Chairman in welcoming the officials from the Department of Education and Skills to discuss this issue. I thank Mr. Ward for his opening statement.

The digital environment has changed massively over the past three or four years, even in the past two years. I see children of two and three who are very au fait with iPads. If the way in which we do business is not up to speed and too traditional when these children enter the education system, we will have severe problems trying to keep their attention because they will be on a different plain outside the classroom than inside it.

Mr. Ward stated a new ICT plan for schools is being worked on. He hopes to have it finished by the end of the year. Have there been plans in this regard in recent years? Mr. Ward stated €90 million is being invested in IT. What will it achieve? What is it being spent on and what is the level of technology in schools in different parts of the country? At second level, there will be broadband of 100 MB by the end of 2014. What is the position in the primary school network? What are the current statistics on the level of connectivity in primary schools?

What is it hoped to achieve at the upcoming conference on digital literacy? Where are we at from moving from book and blackboard to a tablet and new technologies learning system? Developments in this area move very quickly and it is important the education system keeps pace with it. What challenges are there to ensure our education system is not out of touch with new technologies? What type of investment would be necessary to achieve this? There have been some pilot projects, particularly in secondary schools, in introducing tablet technology. Is there a plan to roll these out and introduce schemes similar to the book rental schemes which would enable schools to make the switchover?