Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy. He asked about the provision of IT and other services to schools. The positive news is that our schools are up and running and have remained open even under level 5 restrictions. Notwithstanding that, there is absolutely a requirement for investment in IT. The last five years have seen investment of more than €210 million. This year two tranches of €50 million have been paid out. The last tranche will be issued near the end of the year.

Connectivity in our schools is recognised as hugely important. Some 700 of our primary schools are involved in the national broadband plan. We are trying to roll that out as expeditiously as possible. I refer also to the successful schools connect programme. There is a body of work to be done on connectivity. We are hugely determined to ensure it is rolled out as quickly as possible. High-speed broadband is available in all our second level schools and is being utilised very well. I take the Deputy's comments on board.

Developments on the school building programme are very positive. An investment of more than €740 million is envisaged. We are looking at a variety of projects for next year, 200 of which are to be completed by the end of 2021. A further 145 will begin by mid-July.

The Deputy spoke about teachers and Covid-19. We have made huge efforts to adapt to the environment in which we are living, particularly in schools. The substitution scheme has been rolled out and the substitution panels have worked very well. Further detail on DEIS schools will be made available in the next week or two.

I know school transport is a huge issue for the Deputy and his constituency. We have secured substantial funding to ensure the roll-out of transport at 50% capacity, which will cost approximately €100 million. The review will be a milestone. As the Deputy notes, its terms of reference are being drawn up. We are looking to move that forward. I appreciate that there is a huge body of work to be done on school transport.