Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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443. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 185 of 5 October 2022, the reason that a school (details supplied) cannot get a broadband connection given that it can be serviced with a full fibre connection with speeds up to 2Gbps, super-fast broadband from commercial operators; the measures that are being taken to alleviate the obstacles to have this school connected to broadband within the earliest timeframe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50204/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Under the current primary broadband programme, my department continually reviews the availability of services and upgrades schools where the opportunity arises, in line with contractual and budgetary requirements. As the Deputy will be aware the schools broadband programme operates subject to procurement regulations through a publicly procured Framework of Providers of Broadband Services. The Framework of Providers of Broadband and Associated Services for Primary schools was recently renewed, and it is open to all providers to apply for that Framework. The programme operates on the basis of mini-competitions from that Framework, per procurement obligations, and the service being provided to the school is the best available through that Framework. I understand a previous attempt to connect this school to the fibre infrastructure unearthed civil works issues to the school that required intervention, and the service provider could not connect the school to the fibre network as a consequence.

As previously stated, my department is committed to providing all primary schools with high speed broadband in 2023 through the National Broadband Plan, commercial provision, and the NRRP project. The school referred is included in the next tender for services under this high speed broadband programme which is due to issue shortly, with high speed connectivity to be provided early in 2023. The broadband service provided to the school will then be determined following completion of the tendering process. My officials will work with the successful service provider to ensure delivery of service is completed as soon as possible.