James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As previously stated, I expect that the next tranche of funding under the digital strategy will issue in the coming school year, by January 2024. The ongoing commitment to embedding the use of digital technologies in teaching and learning is demonstrated through the continued investment in teacher professional learning, relevant resources and the schools' broadband programme, with policy articulated in the digital strategy for schools to 2027.

Our overall schools building programme is demand-driven and determined by our legal obligations to ensure provision for education. The Department continues to engage with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform as part of the overall review of the NDP that will be undertaken later in 2023 for the period to 2028, with a view to ensuring a smooth as possible roll-out of NDP priorities, including digital strategy commitments in future.

ICT grant funding for schools is part of the capital budget of the Department and Government and, as such, is subject to the availability of Exchequer funding, as well as the wider capital needs of the school system. As highlighted, €50 million in grant funding issued to recognised primary and post-primary schools in late 2021 and an additional €50 million issued in December 2021 to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education system to support those learners at risk of educational disadvantage through the digital divide. This was substantial funding.

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