Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael)

On Safer Internet Day, I also welcome the announcement by the Ministers, Deputies Rabbitte and Quinn, that all second level schools are to receive high-speed broadband. This is a great example of co-operation between Ministers and joined-up thinking by Departments. The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources will pay for the installation and the Department for Education and Skills will pay for the operation of the scheme.

The introduction of high speed broadband will have a major impact on how teachers use ICT. It will enable video conferencing and the use of Skype together with the introduction of digital text books. This welcome investment in our education system is a great idea. Too often in the past, moneys invested in ICT have not borne fruit because planning and oversight of the service was not factored into the costs. What system of oversight and inspection will be factored into the operation of this scheme? That is the vital question for the successful operation of this welcome new initiative.