Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In the first instance, I want to state there is a strong digital strategy within the Department with a clear focus on enhancing teaching, learning and investment. In excess of €210 million has been made available to promote digital learning within our schools. The purpose of that funding is to ensure there are platforms available across our schools but, equally, as the Chairman has specifically referenced, to ensure the availability of digital devices. We are very cognisant of that in the Covid-19 atmosphere. More than €100 million was paid out last year, with the last €50 million of that paid out in December to facilitate schools to purchase the equipment and then - and I have seen this operate on the ground - the equipment is loaned to individual students, families or whomever as the case might arise. I am very conscious that no two schools will have the same needs or demands placed upon them in terms of the digital devices the Chairman specifically raised. Therefore, there is an acknowledgement within the Department that every school must meet its own demands and pressures. It is for that reason there has been no shortage of funding and that there has been a willingness from the Department’s point of view to make all necessary funding available. Reference was made earlier to differences in budgets as we go forward. One of the reasons for the differences, from a capital point of view, is that money was made available in December to ensure that. There will always be room for-----