Written answers

Tuesday, 15 September 2020

Department of Education and Skills

Student Support Schemes

Photo of Mark WardMark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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561. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a report (details supplied) that stated that 17,000 students would be able to avail of free laptops; when they can apply; the process for applying; and when the first student will receive a laptop. [24065/20]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As part of a package of COVID-19 supports for the higher and further education sectors, my Department has allocated €15 million to higher and further education providers for a once-off COVID-19 Grant to support disadvantaged students in accessing ICT devices.

This initiative addresses concerns regarding the digital divide in the context of the shift to online and blended models of learning as a result of COVID-19 and the importance of supporting disadvantaged students to adapt to these new models.

Devices procured using the grant will be distributed by higher education institutions and Education and Training Boards to disadvantaged students via appropriate lending schemes. Over 16,700 laptops have already been ordered as part of a bulk purchase organised by HEAnet, while additional devices are being procured by some providers directly.

The higher and further education providers will determine which individual students should be prioritised to receive a device on a needs basis and within the terms and conditions of the grant. Students who wish to apply for a device should contact the student access office of the higher education institution in which they are enrolled or the relevant ETB for further information.

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