Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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83. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there is school funding for information communication technology (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8777/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020 reflects the Department’s current policy on the embedding of digital technologies in teaching, learning and assessment. It sets out a clear vision that is focussed 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 sets out a programme of work for the 2015-2020 period and is organised around four themes:

- Teaching, Learning and Assessment Using ICT

- Teacher Professional Learning

- Leadership, Research and Policy

- ICT Infrastructure

An investment of €210m, for multi-annual ICT Infrastructure Grants to schools is being made available over the period the Digital Strategy for Schools. To date some €60 million have been issued to schools in the past two years with the third tranche of this funding due to issue shortly in respect of the 2018/2019 school year. The provision of funding will support the schools in updating and renewing their ICT infrastructure and assist schools to embed innovative and cutting edge technologies to enhance teaching, learning and assessment in their schools.

In considering appropriate expenditure for this funding schools should align this with the Digitial Learning Plan, with advice and support on developing this plan available from the PDST-TiE at . In that context, the funding can be used for a broad range of requirements outlined in the relevant circular issued to schools regarding the Digital Strategy grant funding.