Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

Ireland prides itself at being at the forefront of the knowledge economy. This was a result of large investment in the area. The Minister for Education and Science, however, has failed to live up to this commitment. Last year only €2.3 million was spent on the upgrading and provision of IT facilities in schools. Some 10,000 computers in primary schools are in need of upgrading. At second level, 5,500 computers are beyond repair while 20% have been in use for six years or more and are obsolete.

If we want to continue to be at the forefront of the knowledge economy, why is the Minister for Education and Science failing in her duty to provide the wherewithal to do so? When IBEC, the INTO and the secondary teachers' unions highlight this together, then it is a serious issue requiring urgent attention. Will the Leader bring it to the attention of the Minister? It must be addressed in the forthcoming budget. To allow this situation to continue means the Minister has failed and is not interested in continuing the valuable work done in schools to bring Ireland to the forefront of the knowledge economy. Ireland is lower than the OECD average for availability of computers at school.