Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if it is proposed to renew the licensing arrangements in respect of Scoilnet maps in view of the fact that this is an important facility in the study of geography and the value of this system is more important now than previously due to the availability of technology in classrooms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5852/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As I am sure the Deputy will appreciate, the need to ensure value for money in public expenditure is greater than ever. In common with many other State-funded initiatives, the ICT in Schools programme has needed to re-evaluate its spending priorities in order to ensure that it can continue to deliver essential services notwithstanding an unavoidable reduction in the overall level of resources available.

The contracts for providing this service expire on 4th February and there are no plans to renew them. Other options of providing access to maps are being examined within the context of available resources and value for money. The Scoilnet service will continue to make other Geography-related digital resources available through its portal and the PDST will continue to support teachers in this area.