PLAID Cymru's free laptops for children policy is no further forward nearly three years into their coalition with Labour.

Information obtained from the Education Minister Leighton Andrews confirms that a pilot scheme is finally due to roll out in March 2010 at a cost of £700,000 over the two financial years 2009-10 and 2010-11.

Commenting on the scheme, Shadow Minister for Education Paul Davies AM said:

"This expensive and ill-advised scheme makes even less sense in this tough financial climate, particularly given that the gap in average spend per pupil between Wales and England has risen to £527.

"This money could have been used elsewhere within the education system.
"Yet again, the Welsh Assembly Government has failed to recognise the real priorities for education in Wales.

"Our schools need adequate funding not more gimmicks."