Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Question 194: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when his Department will launch the Information and Communications strategy for schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20295/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government sets out our commitment to implementing a comprehensive Schools ICT Strategy. This strategy will be underpinned by the investment of €252m in the National Development Plan 2007-2013. The Deputy will be aware that my predecessor appointed a Strategy Group to advise on the priorities for expenditure on ICT in Schools and it is my intention to publish the report of this Group shortly.

This report will cover areas of required investment over the lifetime of the National Development Plan. At its core will be the embedding of ICT in the teaching and learning culture of schools. Among the issues which the new strategy will address are the upgrading and renewal of hardware, the provision of software and digital content for learning, teacher professional development, curriculum development, the maintenance of the national broadband network for schools and technical maintenance and support requirements.

Decisions in relation to both the timing and the amount of expenditure in this area this year must be taken within the overall context of the current budgetary situation and the requirement that I manage within the budget set for my Department. I am reviewing the overall financial position with my officials at present having regard to spending trends to date and emerging pressures. Following this review, I anticipate being in a position to make decisions in relation to specific areas of expenditure.