Fianna Fáil TD and Minister for Labour Affairs Dara Calleary has welcomed the announcement by the Government that every classroom in the country is to receive a teaching laptop, software and digital projector over the next three years as part of the €150 million Smart Schools plan. The major high-tech drive was launched by An Taoiseach Brian Cowen.
“The commitment to invest in ICT in schools is a further expression of the Government’s commitment to the development of the smart economy in Ireland,” Minister Calleary said.
“It is the Government’s aim to have a teaching laptop, software and digital projector in each classroom in Mayo and across the country within three years.
”Young people are very comfortable with technology so it is important that the Government supports their development by stimulating and enriching the teaching experience in relation to ICT competence,” Minister Calleary added.
“As a first step, €22 million in grants will be issued 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 schools will be asked 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 programme for all new classrooms to be fully equipped with ICT equipment.
“This is a significant move by the Government and an important investment in our young people and I look forward to seeing the benefits of it in schools across Mayo,” Minister Calleary concluded.
