James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

98. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the grants available or in the near future to assist primary schools in the purchase of ICT equipment for their schools; the application procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40330/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The new Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020 (Enhancing Teaching, Learning & Assessment), launched in October 2015, sets out a clear vision for the role of ICT in teaching, learning and assessment in primary and post primary schools. The Strategy is focused on realising the potential of digital technologies to transform the learning experiences of students by helping them become engaged thinkers, active learners, knowledge constructors and global citizens who participate fully in society and the economy.

The Strategy recognises that schools require public investment in their ICT equipment and infrastructure and accordingly a fund of €210m to support the implementation of this Strategy has been committed beginning with an investment of €30m in the current school year (2016/2017) rising to €50m annually towards the end of the Strategy. An announcement concerning this scheme will be made in the new year. Oversight and consultative structures for the implementation of the strategy have been finalised and the status of implementation will be communicated to schools and stakeholders on a regular basis. For further information please refer to the Digital Strategy page on the Department website at .

The Department recently issued the Minor Works Grant, this grant can also be used for the purchase of IT related equipment (items such as computers, printers, overhead projectors and photocopiers qualify under this heading), further information on the Minor Works Grant can be found on the Departments website at