Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As Deputy Smyth may be aware, an investment programme of €210 million has been delivered under the current Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020. As the Deputy's previous question demonstrated, there undoubtedly is a strong role for digital devices and the use of digital technology in teaching and learning within our education system, and we must support its continued development.

Under the digital strategy, ICT funding is issued directly to schools as they are best placed to identify and meet the requirements of their school and school cohort. This funding can be used to buy devices for use by students and teachers, including learning platforms, software and the overall ICT infrastructure development in the school. Extensive support for schools to develop digital learning plans is provided through the digital learning framework alongside a suite of teacher professional learning delivered through the Department-funded teacher support service, the professional development service for teachers.

Earlier this year, I announced the development of a new digital strategy for schools accompanied by a wide-ranging consultation process. A consultative group has also been established comprising all key stakeholders, that is, the widest possible reach within the education sector, including education partners, parent groups and student representatives to ensure a meaningful and effective engagement with all key stakeholders. In addition, consultation is under way as part of the process. I want the new strategy to build on the progress achieved to date and to ensure that young people gain the necessary digital skills as part of their education. The new strategy will take account of the findings from the consultation process, the experience gained through the implementation of the current strategy and national and international experience in this area. It also will seek to address and incorporate new and emerging issues and trends in digital technology in education. I look forward to working towards a new digital strategy for our schools in the coming months on the back of all this consultation.

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