Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

485. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide in tabular form by county the secondary schools that are connected to high speed quality broadband; if she will provide an update regarding installation of the service to each of the remainder of schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46371/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There are only 7 post primary schools not yet connected to the High Speed 100Mbit/s Network. I have listed these schools and the reason they are not yet connected.

Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

486. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide in tabular form by county the primary schools that are connected to quality high speed broadband; if she will provide an update on the position regarding provision of the service to each of the remaining schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46374/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that quality internet connectivity is essential for good teaching and learning using ICT. While great progress has been made at post primary where every school will shortly have a high speed connection, I am aware that improvement at primary is slower and is dependent upon market and technological developments.

Under the Schools Broadband Access Programme, my Department provides for the supply of internet connectivity for all recognised primary schools. A new framework involving more providers was put in place in 2012 which will ensure improved solutions are available to schools.

In the context of the forthcoming Digital Strategy for Schools, improved connectivity for primary schools will be a priority. In this regard, my Department will collaborate with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to provide enhanced broadband services.

There are currently 157 schools in receipt of broadband speeds in excess of 30Mbit/s (see attached table). There are further 54 schools awaiting an install of connections in excess of 30Mbit/s and there are another 59 schools who have not responded to the Department's offer of an improved connection. The Department is continually working with providers to ensure that where possible improved services are made available to schools.