Written answers

Tuesday, 22 March 2022

Department of Education and Skills

School Facilities

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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516. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason that the pupils of a school (details supplied) are still without high-speed broadband even though this school has been able to connect to the fibre network since the end of October 2021; her views on whether it is acceptable for teachers and pupils to have to wait months for her Department to submit an order to a supplier; the number of other primary schools that have been left in the same predicament; the details of the schools; the dates on which her Department was contacted to say that a fibre connection was available at their door; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14503/22]

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The delivery of high quality internet connectivity for all schools is a key objective of my Department. It is accepted that good connectivity is essential to ensure that schools are facilitated to progress the embedding of digital technologies in teaching and learning and for the implementation of new and revised curriculum.

As the Deputy is aware the school referred 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 2023. My officials have confirmed with colleagues in the Department of Environment. Climate and Communications that this school has recently been connected to the National Broadband Ireland (NBI) infrastructure. 

The Schools Broadband Programme operates subject to procurement regulations through a publicly procured Framework of Providers of Broadband Services. A process to establish a new Framework of providers has recently concluded. My Department is now working on the tender to issue for a mini competition for schools broadband services and this school will be included in that tender for upgrade to the NBI infrastructure as soon as possible.

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 will remain on their current best available service of 12mb wireless broadband connection, which is a dedicated service to the school, until connectivity to the NBI infrastructure can be implemented. The Schools Broadband Service Desk will be in contact with the school in due course to arrange the installation.

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