Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 648: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when the Internet service will be restored to a school (details supplied) in County Cavan; his views on the fact that this is unfair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4607/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that the school that the Deputy is referring to, requested that their satellite broadband connection be removed due to building works in September last. When the building work was completed the satellite connection was not reinstated immediately as my Department had commenced the award of new contracts under Phase II of the Schools Broadband Programme, and this school was due to be awarded to a new Service Provider.

Due to unforeseen technical issues that service provider was unable to provide a technical solution to the school and the school has since been re-awarded under the new contracts to Eircom. Eircom are currently in the process of installing the new broadband service and it is expected to be fully installed this week. The new product, which can deliver up to 7.1 Mbts broadband, should ensure that the school will see a marked improvement in their broadband solution. My Department is monitoring the provision of broadband to schools during this transition phase of the Schools Broadband Programme and will keep this school under review.