Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is not clear how the digital funding is apportioned within schools. There does not seems to be a way of measuring how it is utilised in individual schools. Recommendation 5 of the report on the Impact of Covid-19 on Primary and Secondary Education states there should be a national online learning programme that guarantees all students have access to a digital device and broadband. Do the Minister agree there needs to be a very clear plan and system of measurement to ensure funding is used to ensure every student has a digital device and access to broadband? We have seen the need for that in recent months during Covid-19. Many witnesses ranging from those representing teacher unions to student unions to parent councils who have appeared before the committee have raised that issue. The Minister might reply to that question.