Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 383: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline the current curriculum in schools at primary level and schools at secondary level for the teaching of computer technology and information technology; when this curriculum was drawn up; when it was last revised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19095/12]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 384: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of time in a school week that students in primary schools should be taught how to use computers and broader issues regarding information technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19096/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 383 and 384 together. The curriculum in schools is devised on the basis that ICT is not a subject but rather a tool to be integrated into the teaching and learning of all subjects. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has developed an ICT framework which sets out a structured approach to ICT in curriculum and assessment. This sets out the types of learning appropriate for students during the period of compulsory education, and provides a guide to teachers for embedding ICT across the curriculum. Therefore, it is not time bound. The overall implementation of ICT in schools is supported by the National Centre for Technology in Education which provides for extensive training and guidance for schools on the integration of ICT into teaching and learning. To further support teachers in using ICT in the curriculum, the NCCA developed the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in the Primary School Curriculum: Guidelines for Teachers as a supporting document to the Primary School Curriculum 1999. The guidelines were launched by the Department of Education and Science (DES) in 2004. At post-primary level, one of the Statements of Learning in the Framework for Junior Cycle reform is to ensure that all students "Use ICT effectively and ethically in learning and in life". The forthcoming Junior Cycle reform will allow for the introduction of optional school developed short courses of 100 hours duration. This will provide opportunities for schools to progress the provision of courses to enhance students' ICT skills which will be embedded in all their learning. There is also a Transition Year option in relation to "Having Fun with Computer Programming and Games" and, under the ICT Action Plan which I launched earlier this year, this is being expanded nationally. Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) are also significant components in the syllabuses of Technology and Design and Communication Graphics.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 385: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the findings of a recent EuroStat study which shows that Irish persons between the ages of 16-24 years are less likely than the average European person of that age to have the skills to carry out basic computer functions such as calculating information on spreadsheets; his views on whether this highlights a need to re-examine the reason that students here are taught computer technology in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19097/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I am aware of the results of the Eurostat study issued at the end of March 2012. I wish to inform the Deputy that the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment advises that ICT is not a stand alone subject but rather a tool to be integrated into the teaching and learning of all subjects. Computer literacy is seen to be a "necessity in a large majority of professions" (Eurostat news release, 26 March, 2012). These views are in keeping with international practice. €92m has been provided in infrastructural ICT grants to schools. In fact, all post primary schools will be connected to a 100Mbps broadband service by the end of 2014, providing for improved integration of ICT in learning. In addition, the NCCA has developed an ICT framework for schools setting out the ICT skills which students should acquire at different levels across the curriculum. The focus for schools is on using ICT (a) as a tool in learning and (b) to improve learning across the curriculum. This NCCA framework is supported by extensive digital resources on the Scoilnet website, an e-learning handbook for teachers, by professional development programmes for teachers as well as by investment in ICT infrastructure. One of the Statements of Learning in the Junior Cycle reform is to ensure that all students "use ICT effectively and ethically in learning and in life". There will also be the opportunity for schools to provide short courses. These reforms will present further opportunities for strengthening ICT across the curriculum. There is also a Transition Year option in relation to "Having Fun with Computer Programming and Games" and, under the ICT Action Plan which I launched jointly with Industry in January 2012, this is being expanded nationally. Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) are also significant components in the syllabuses of Technology and Design and Communication Graphics.