Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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445. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when eTenders will issue to schools (details supplied) in County Wexford for the schools broadband scheme; the criteria for the approved list of broadband suppliers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25532/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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Through the Schools Broadband Access Programme, the Department provides for the supply of internet connectivity for all recognised primary, post-primary and special schools. 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 within required financial parameters.

A framework involving 14 providers was put in place in 2012 which has ensured improved solutions are available to primary schools. The most recent draw down off the framework last September saw approximately 90% of school connections retendered, with over 1,100 schools awarded connections of 30Mbit/s or greater.

Under the current programme the Department continually reviews the availability of services and upgrades schools where the opportunity arises, within the parameters of the programme and in compliance with procurement and contractual obligations.

Following recent mini competitions, the schools referred to by the Deputy have all been awarded improved services, and those services are in place. However, the need to improve broadband connectivity to primary schools is recognised in the new Digital Strategy for Schools and the Department will collaborate with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Energy to address this as a priority action. Work on the implementation of the Strategy is now underway.