Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 153: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his view on the possibility of making computer science a full syllabus subject at primary level and at secondary junior and senior cycle level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29922/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I have no plans to make computer science a specific subject in schools. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment advises that ICT is not a standalone subject but rather a tool to be integrated into the teaching and learning of all subjects, and this is in keeping with international practice. The NCCA has developed an ICT framework for schools setting out the skills which students should acquire at different levels across the curriculum. This is supported by the Council's action website which sets out practical examples of how ICT can be embedded in teaching and learning across the curriculum. The schools ICT programme is continuing, under which €92m was provided in infrastructure grants to schools between November 2009 and the end of 2010. This programme provides investment in professional development for teachers (12,000 places for teachers were provided in 2010 alone), an e-learning handbook for teachers, the schools broadband programme and extensive digital resources on the Scoilnet website.

I have just received the advice on the NCCA on the future direction of junior cycle, and my officials are examining the proposals at present and identifying the resource implications. Once these have been identified and the Government has been informed, a process of engagement will begin with the partners in education on implementation plans. One of the objectives of the reforms is to promote increased creativity and innovation and better embed ICT across the curriculum. There will also be the opportunity for short courses to be provided by schools, and each subject will be assessed by means of a written examination and a portfolio. Taken together the reforms will present further opportunities for strengthening ICT across the curriculum.