Written answers

Wednesday, 20 April 2016

Department of Education and Skills

Broadband Service Provision

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

415. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when an upgrade to the broadband service at a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7399/16]

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

The overall policy of my Department is to offer the best quality connectivity to all schools in line with technical solutions available in the market and financial constraints. All post primary schools receive at least 100mbts connectivity. The need to improve broadband connectivity to primary schools is recognised in the new Digital Strategy for schools and the Department will collaborate with DCENR to provide enhanced broadband to all primary schools.

Under the Schools Broadband Access Programme the Department provides for the supply of internet connectivity for recognised primary and post primary schools. A framework involving 14 providers was put in place in 2012 which has ensured improved solutions are available to schools. The most recent drawdown of the framework last September had approximately 90% of school connections retendered, including the school referred to by the Deputy. These awards have seen over 1,100 schools awarded connections of 30Mbit/s or greater, approximately 400 of these connections have been installed to date and the remainder will be installed in the coming months.

In the case of the school referred to by the Deputy, the provider awarded has been unable to provide the broadband service as anticipated, and so the Department will re-award this school to the next most appropriate provider. However, as the Deputy will be aware, broadband capacity can vary due to geographical location and this is impacting the service that can be provided to this school.

Under the current programme the Department continually reviews the availability of services and upgrades schools where the opportunity arises.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.