Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

I have outlined the large amount of expenditure on major capital works and the summer works scheme in schools. However, all primary schools get an annual minor works grant which can be used at their discretion to carry out small-scale works. This grant has been paid in each school year since its introduction in 1996 and 1997. In November 2006, the Government increased funding for the minor works grant by 44% from the previous year. Some €27 million was paid out to primary schools throughout the country in the 2007 to 2008 school year to enable thousands of small-scale works to be completed without the need to interact with my Department. Individual primary schools received a grant in the sum of €5,500 plus €18.50 per pupil. It is intended that the grant for the 2008 to 2009 school year will be paid in early 2009.

Turning to the question of information and communications technology, ICT, in schools, I acknowledge the need for further investment to support the integration of ICT into teaching and learning in our schools. However, I challenge the exaggeration by the Opposition which detracts from the debate and is simply unfounded.

The ICT in schools programme commenced some ten years ago, with the publication of Schools IT2000.