Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

273. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will assist a school (details supplied) to improve its broadband connection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4061/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department operates the Schools Broadband Programme at an annual cost of some €13m, providing connectivity to schools through a range of technologies at the best level of connectivity available based on local infrastructure. The school referred to by the Deputy is currently on the best available service of 12mb wireless broadband connection, which is a dedicated service to the school.

I have requested the Schools Broadband Service Desk, to work with the service provider to ensure that the current level of service is maintained as contracted to the school.

The school referred to by the Deputy is in the National Broadband Plan Intervention Area, for which implementation is underway. My Department is engaging with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications on this implementation to prioritise school connectivity, with all schools in the NBP to be provided with high speed broadband infrastructure by the end of 2022. When the necessary infrastructure becomes available, the school will be upgraded to that service through the Schools Broadband Programme. My officials have confirmed with colleagues in the Department of Environment. Climate and Communications that this school in question is on the list for NBI infrastructure connectivity by end 2022.