Gerard Murphy (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 169: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary and secondary schools with broadband Internet access; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5592/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department is currently engaged in the roll out of broadband Internet connectivity to all recognised primary and post-primary schools. This project is being undertaken in partnership with industry, following the establishment of a three-year €18 million joint Government-IBEC-TIF, Telecommunications and Internet Federation, fund. The broadband connectivity is being provided via a schools national broadband network supported by HEAnet, which will provide managed Internet access, e-mail, security controls, content filtering and other services designed to enhance the educational process. A broadband support service has also been established to assist schools with advice and information relating to the roll out and ongoing use of their broadband connectivity within the schools network.

As of close of business on Friday, 10 February 2006, the number of schools which have had their basic connectivity service installed was 3,098 and the number of schools which have had their router installed, either separately or as part of the basic connectivity service, was 2,917. In this regard, the satellite provision for 427 schools contains the necessary functionality and does not require the provision of a separate router.