Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 78: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his reaction to the recent report from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment which revealed very low investment in ICT in Irish primary and post-primary schools compared to schools in Northern Ireland, the UK and the USA; his views on the disappointing placing of Ireland for broadband access on a wide range of international indices including the EU e-readiness index; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19934/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the contents of the report written by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.

A joint industry and Government fund of €18 million has been established for the broadband for schools programme, which will provide every school in the country with broadband by the beginning of 2006. This is a crucial strand in the strategy of integrating ICT into teaching and learning and the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resource's wider vision of promoting the use of broadband technologies in local communities around the country. Funding arrangements are also in place for the updating of computer networks and equipment within schools.

In response to the query relating to Ireland's placing for broadband access on a range of international indices, I would refer the Deputy to my response submitted under Question No. 10.