Written answers

Wednesday, 22 September 2021

Department of Education and Skills

Departmental Strategies

Photo of Niamh SmythNiamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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110. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the details of the development of a new digital strategy for schools and measures in place to further support digital online learning for primary and secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45747/21]

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, I announced the development of a new Digital Strategy for Schools in April this year alongside a wide-ranging consultation process. To ensure a comprehensive review of the existing strategy and to take account of new and emerging themes from the point of view of all relevant stakeholders, a wide ranging consultation framework has been developed. The overall consultation process is an integral part of the development of the new strategy and key to ensuring its successful implementation. The various elements of the consultation framework are set out at www.gov.ie/en/consultation/7d09a-digital-strategy-for-schools/ and this process is now well underway. To further consider key issues arising from the initial elements of the consultation process it is intended to hold a series of focus groups in the coming weeks. The ultimate objective to have a new Digital Strategy for Schools finalised before the end of this year.

Learnings from the implementation of the current strategy and the experience of teachers, school leaders, students and parents regarding the embedding of digital technologies across the curriculum and the opportunities provided by this, as well the impact of remote learning during COVID-19, will inform the overall development of the new strategy.

It will also take into consideration government objectives and priorities, national and international experience and look to address and incorporate new and emerging issues and trends in digital technology to inform future policy in this critically important area of education.

In terms of measures to further support digital online learning for primary and secondary schools, I am sure the Deputy can appreciate that measures for remote learning were put in place due to school closures in response to Covid 19. It is not intended that remote learning would be a feature of the current school landscape now that schools are fully open other than in the one context of those pupils/students who are certified as being very high risk and cannot attend school. All schools have fully reopened safely. Public health has reviewed the measures put in place to ensure safe operation of schools and is satisfied that these infection prevention and control measures, when implemented correctly and adhered to, will continue to keep the school community safe.

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