Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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285. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address matters relating to a device (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7138/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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As part of the implementation of the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020 Enhancing Teaching Learning and Assessment, funding of €210m for ICT Infrastructure will be distributed to schools over the five years of the Strategy, to date a total of €60m has been distributed in respect of the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 school years, and a further instalment of this grant is due to issue shortly in respect of the 18/19 school year. Schools do not have to apply for this grant.

It is a matter for a school’s Board of Management and Principal to decide how the grant can be best used for their school, in line with the schools Digital Learning Plan including the purchase of Interactive Screens such as the devices mentioned by the Deputy. All purchases must be in compliance with Public Procurement Procedures with further information for schools available on the Schools Procurement Unit website at www.spu.ie. ICT purchasing Frameworks are in place operated by the Office of Government procurement with appropriately defined technical specifications. These Frameworks should be engaged with and taken advantage of as they simplify the process of purchasing ICT equipment for schools.

Further information on current ICT Frameworks open to schools is available through the School Procurement Unit at www.spu.ie.Further information on Digital Learning Planning can be found at . Advice on appropriate ICT infrastructure for schools is available at www.pdsttechnologyineducation.ie.