Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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229. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide up to date information with respect to the regular use of ICT equipment in schools by teaching staff; his plans to increase the rate of usage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36302/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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ICT has become an integral part of teaching and learning. In the 2012 Survey of Schools: ICT in Education, which was carried out by European Schoolnet, on behalf of the European Commission, the frequency of use of ICT in lessons was examined. The survey showed that the use of ICT by teachers in Ireland is much higher at all grades than the EU average. There are considerable more teachers using ICT in more than 25% of lessons, which is above the EU average, particularly at grades 4 (4th class) and 8 (2nd year post primary). The most intense use is at grade 11 (5th year post primary) where nearly a third use ICT with their students in more than 50% of lessons, higher than the EU average.

Further evidence of the use of ICT in teaching can be seen in the take up of ICT training places. In 2012 13,500 teacher training places were taken up on ICT related training. The Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) which now includes the functions of the former NCTE ensures that opportunities for teachers to experience ICT in their learning and teaching are a key element of all professional development events offered to teachers.

The investment of €90m in infrastructure grants to schools in 2009 and 2010 delivered significant improvements in the infrastructural base nationally and allowed schools to equip classrooms with a digital projector, teaching computer and wireless keyboard and mouse and ensured that all teachers have access to technology. Work has commenced on the development of a new ICT Strategy for schools. The first step in this process is the completion of an ICT census in schools. The census results are currently being analysed and the results will provide a sound research base which will in turn inform key policy decisions relating to integrating ICT in teaching and learning over the next three to five years. In the past the ICT census of schools focussed on the level of infrastructure in schools. The current census addresses a broad range of themes including:

- the impact of ICT in teaching and learning and assessment;

- school-wide planning for integration of ICT in teaching and learning;

- continuing ICT related Professional Development (CPD) for teachers;

- curriculum-relevant digital content and software resources;

- exploring views on the opportunities presented by integration of ICT in teaching, learning and assessment;

- obstacles to ICT integration; and

- how they could be overcome.