Concern has been expressed over the Irish government's decision to reduce the amount of money spent on ICT in primary and secondary schools.

The Department of Education's Estimates for Education and Skills Vote revealed that the budget for computer equipment in schools will be 1.5 million euros in 2011.

This is a drop from 63 million euros allocated to this area in 2010, 20 million of which was spent on the Smart Schools = Smart Economy strategy.

However, Graham Byrne, head of Promethean's Ireland and Scotland divisions, told Silicon Republic that this is a time when investment should be made into information technology.

He stated: "By cutting back on ICT spending now, we are effectively removing the tools these kids need to get us out of this economic situation."

In October 2010, the Irish Independent reported that 57 private schools in Ireland will be given computer grants for the first time, as part of the Smart Schools initiative.

Written by Donal Walsh

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