The Taoiseach Launches 'Smart Schools' Program

Every classroom in the country is to get a teaching laptop, software and digital projector over the next three years as part of a €150 million plan for 'smart schools' launched on Monday by the Taoiseach, Brian Cowen T.D.

The new action plan has been produced by the joint advisory group established by the Minister for Education and Science, Batt O'Keeffe T.D., and builds on the earlier strategy group report, 'Investing Effectively in ICT in Schools'.

Launching the report, 'Smart Schools = Smart Economy', in St Joseph's National School, Terenure, Dublin, the Taoiseach said: "The Government recognises the need for investment in this area and it's committed to providing funding to support the integration of information communications technology (ICT) in teaching and learning in our schools.   

"Our talented young people, the education sector and ICT are central to developing our 'smart economy'. 

"Our children and teenagers are very comfortable with technology so we need to exploit the benefits of ICT in our classrooms to stimulate and enrich teaching and learning and to develop students' ICT competence.

"The commitment to invest in ICT in schools is a further expression of the Government's commitment to the development of innovative ICT in Ireland."

Minister O'Keeffe said: "As Minister, I attach particular significance to progressing the integration of ICT in teaching and learning.

"In the education sector, there's a shared vision on the integration of ICT in the classroom.

"The potential of ICT as a motivational tool to engage students and to enrich and enliven teaching across the curriculum is well recognised. 

"Since publishing the 'Investing Effectively in ICT in Schools' report, I''ve met key players in the business and ICT sectors to explore how best to realise the potential of ICT use in schools.

"This advisory report contains relevant recommendations in that context.   

"Against that background, I'm committed to making funding available for ICT in schools over the next three years.  

"As a first step, €22 million in grants will issue to primary schools before the end of this year.  

"Priority will be given to ensuring that there's a teaching laptop and digital projector in every classroom.

"Funding for post-primary schools will be made available early in the New Year and I'll be asking them to prioritise the purchase of equipment for classrooms used for the teaching of maths to support the rollout of the curricular reform plan, Project Maths."

This funding is complemented by specific investment in the school building program for all new classrooms to be fully equipped with ICT equipment.