Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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726. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if an IT upgrade will be sanctioned for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32623/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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A commitment of €210 million was provided under the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020 for improved ICT infrastructure, of which €160 million has issued to schools to date, including €50 million which issued earlier this year. The provision of funding will support 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 the context of the current public health crisis schools can use this funding to address ICT needs including the purchase of devices, software, networking equipment and other ICT solutions. This may include the purchase of ICT devices that can be shared with learners who do not have access to devices and for the purchase of essential learning platforms. The remaining €50 million under this provision will issue to schools during the current school year (2020-2021). Funding is also provided for new buildings/extensions, for the provision of ICT equipment.

I can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy has received grant funding under the Digital Strategy for Schools ICT Grant scheme.

Decisions regarding the use and deployment of digital technology is a matter for the Board of Management of each school. Schools are advised that where they plan to introduce such digital technology, consultation with members of the school community including parents is advised. Cost and other implications must be fully considered by the Board of Management t determine requirements and solutions. It is important for schools, in conjunction with parents, to retain local autonomy for decisions on the use of digital technology, including hardware such as table devices, software and learning platforms, and how best to manage their integration into classroom practice reflective of their own context and requirements. In making this decision each school should refer to and reflect on the available information.

All purchasing undertaken by schools of exchequer provided funding must be in compliance with Public Procurement Procedures. Existing ICT purchasing Frameworks are in place operated by the Office of Government procurement for Desktop PCs/Notebooks/ etc., with appropriately defined technical specifications. These Frameworks should be engaged with and taken advantage of to simplify the process of purchasing ICT equipment for schools and provide value for money.