Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 324: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the timescale for the roll-out of high speed broadband programme for a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26137/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The provision of broadband services in schools is in general a matter for my colleague the Minister for Education & Skills. I do, however, recognise the key role that high speed broadband services can play in achieving the objective of a knowledge society.

My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Education & Skills, has successfully implemented a pilot project of 100mbps high speed broadband to 78 second level schools. I am currently engaged with the Minister for Education & Skills on how a phased roll-out of high speed broadband to all second level schools can be implemented.

As the Deputy will appreciate, availability of resources is a key element in the delivery of this goal. It is my objective that in the context of the forthcoming Budget, an agreed programme for a phased roll-out can be put in place. The timescale for individual schools is of course dependent on such a programme being put in place.