Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

I do not know whether that would be possible. We could certainly consider it in terms of reform of the junior certificate examination and make it a specific subject designed to prepare the ground for those young people who might wish to pursue a career in computers. There is a worldwide shortage of highly computer-literate people, which is why we are experiencing difficulties in filling vacancies. In that context the Skillnets programme and the ICT action plan, which I recently launched, provide people with the opportunity to convert their skills. Some 750 placements are available under the action plan. I would be quite happy to raise this matter with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, to discover whether a specific module could be included in the new curriculum for junior certificate students.

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