Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 227: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve the inclusion of a school (details supplied) in County Cavan on the list of schools to receive information and communication technology funding under the recently announced €4.2 million package for schools, both new build and with extensions in view of the extensive work undertaken at this school which has been transformed at significant cost, including a substantial contribution from the local community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46329/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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In October of this year I announced the provision of €4.2 million in grants for high-tech equipment as part of the Government's continuing efforts to make technology an integral part of the learning process. Schools where major construction work was completed this year and last year will each get €5,000 per classroom to buy computer hardware, software and digital equipment. The allocation amounted to €5,000 in respect of each occupied permanent classroom built this year and last year. The school referred to by the Deputy did not qualify for this grant as it had no new classroom build.

Earlier this year I set up the Joint Advisory Group to explore, with industry, possible recommendations of the Advisory Group have been published in the "Smart Schools = Smart Economy" Report which the Taoiseach launched on 16 November last. The Advisory Group Report recommends an initial investment package of €150m over the next 3 years and I am committed to making funding available for ICT in schools over these years. As a first step, €22 million in grants was issued to primary schools last month, with the priority on ensuring that there is a teaching computer and digital projector in every classroom. The total amount of funding to be made available for ICT equipment next year is being considered as part of the overall Capital allocation that is to be agreed by Government. The school referred to by the Deputy received €3,844.58 under this grant scheme.