Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 130: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he intends to make information and communication technology a compulsory subject for the junior and leaving certificate examinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16416/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The curriculum in schools is devised on the basis that ICT is not a curriculum area or syllabus but rather a tool to be integrated into the teaching and learning of all subjects. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) has developed an ICT framework which sets out a structured approach to ICT in curriculum and assessment. The Framework provides a guide to teachers for embedding ICT in curriculum and assessment across curriculum subjects. It is supported by exemplars on the NCCA Action website, and by the ongoing work of the National Centre for Technology in Education. The Scoilnet website includes a comprehensive range of digital content for use across the curriculum in schools.

Under the ICT in Schools Programme, which addresses the integration of ICT into teaching in learning in first and second level schools, the Department spent €35.172m in 2009 and €81.253m in 2010. The investment is targeted at provision of ICT infrastructure, training of teachers, the provision of curriculum-relevant digital content and a national broadband service for schools. One of the objectives of junior cycle reform is to promote increased creativity and innovation, to create space for active learning, and to better embed key skills such as ICT, teamwork and communications. I expect the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment to advise me later this year on the direction of reform.