Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 38: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding funding for information technology equipment for schools; if there is funding available; the level of funding; the criteria for schools applying; and if special consideration is given to schools designated as disadvantaged. [23112/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that my predecessor appointed a strategy group to advise on the priorities for expenditure on information and communications technology in schools, having regard to the provision in the National Development Plan for the investment of €252m in the ICT in Schools Programme. I intend to publish the group's report shortly. The report will cover areas of required investment over the lifetime of the national development plan. At its core will be the embedding of information and communications technology in the teaching and learning culture of schools. This will require continuing investment in teacher professional development to build further on the impressive teacher participation levels which have been evident to date. It will require the continuing maintenance of a national broadband network for schools, the upgrading and renewal of hardware and the provision of software and digital content.

Decisions on the timing and amount of expenditure in this area this year must be made in the overall context of the current budgetary situation. I am required to work within the budget set for the Department of Education and Science. My officials and I are reviewing the overall financial position with regard to spending trends and emerging pressures. Following this review, I anticipate that I will be in a position to make decisions on specific areas of expenditure.

Turning to the specific position of disadvantaged schools, these schools are benefiting from the €3.4m ICT Grant Scheme for DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) Schools from the Dormant Accounts (Educational Disadvantage) Fund. Having approved the applications under the scheme last year, my Department has issued grants amounting to €3.1m to schools so far this year. The establishment of a €1m Fund from the Dormant Accounts (Educational Disadvantage) Fund to assist up to 100 DEIS schools achieve Digital School Status was announced earlier this year. My officials are finalising the scheme arrangements with the National Centre for Technology in Education and I will be announcing the details in due course.