School IT funding cuts criticised
Saturday, 21 June 2008 15:41Teacher's unions have accused the Government of cutting funding for IT support services to schools.
It has emerged that up to 21 ICT Adviser posts will not be filled next September because funding has been withdrawn.
These centres provide training and other supports to schools in their localities.
The Department of Education says it is not a cutback as the service was not found to be most effective and the funds will now be rechanneled.
But teacher's unions have reacted with dismay.
Primary teacher's union INTO says the move betrays a complete lack of commitment to IT in schools.
At second level ASTI says the decision is short sighted.
Both unions have expressed strong concern as to the status now of the long-awaited €250m investment in ICT in schools that has been promised under the National Development plan.
