Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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307. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027; when ICT funding will become available again for schools at primary and post-primary level; when ICT funding was last available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29314/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 was published in April 2022 following an extensive consultation process. The Strategy sets out my Department’s policy approach to build on the progress made in embedding digital technology across the curriculum and in all aspects of teaching, learning and assessment.It aims to ensure that we have an education system that supports the development of competent, critically engaged and active learners.

While an implementation plan is being finalised and will be published shortly, the overarching objectives under the strategy are already in progress with various programmes, initiatives and pilots underway, as well as continuous professional support for schools leaders and teachers.

The strategy is underpinned by an investment of €200m to support schools over the period committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP). The first tranche of €50m issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in late 2021.

Under the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015 to 2020 overall investment of €210m issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in annual grant funding. This funding was to support schools to invest in appropriate digital infrastructure to embed the use of digital technology in teaching, learning and assessment.

It is hoped to issue the next tranche of funding in the 2023-2024 school year. As with all such funding, the issuing of the grant is subject to the availability of Exchequer funding and the wider capital needs of the Department.

It is anticipated that the funding committed to under the NDP will be available to support the implementation of the Digital Strategy to Schools in future years.

As with funding under the previous strategy, the funding under the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 issues directly to schools as they are best placed to identify the requirements of their own student cohort and to meet those requirements in the most appropriate way in accordance with their digital learning plan.

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015 to 2020 overall investment of €210m issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in annual grant funding. This funding was to support schools to invest in appropriate digital infrastructure to embed the use of digital technology in teaching, learning and assessment.

The new Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 was published last year and is underpinned by an investment of €200m to support schools over the period committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP). The first tranche of €50m issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in late 2021.

It is hoped to issue the next tranche of funding in the 2023-2024 school year and advance notice of the payment will be communicated to schools at that time. As with all such funding, the issuing of the grant is subject to the availability of Exchequer funding and the wider capital needs of the Department.

It is anticipated that the funding committed to under the NDP will be available to support the implementation of the Digital Strategy to Schools in future years.

As with funding under the previous strategy, the funding under the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 issues directly to schools as they are best placed to identify the requirements of their own student cohort and to meet those requirements in the most appropriate way in accordance with their digital learning plan.