Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 was published last year and is underpinned by an investment of €200m to support its implementation, 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.

The previous Digital Strategy for Schools 2015 to 2020 saw overall investment of €210m issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in annual grant funding. This funding enabled schools to invest in appropriate digital infrastructure to enable the embedding of the use of digital technology in teaching, learning and assessment.

Funding of €50m secured as part of Ireland's National Recovery and Resilience Plan under the NextGenerationEU Recovery and Resilience Facility also issued to all recognised schools in the free education scheme to support learners at risk of educational disadvantage through the digital divide in late 2021.

My Department intends to pay the next tranche of ICT grant funding in the 2023 to 2024 school year. The specific timing for issue of the ICT grant is subject to the availability of Exchequer funding and the wider capital needs of the Department including the building programme to ensure the supply of school accommodation.

As part of the forthcoming Review of the National Development Plan, my Department’s aim is to provide better clarity and certainty for schools on the timelines for payment of minor works and ICT grant funding.

Minor Works Grant funding for primary and special schools can additionally be used not only for the maintenance and small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds but also for the provision of ICT infrastructure in schools.

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Department does not currently have a specific stream of funding available for private companies for research and development of educational technologies and applications. As I am sure the Deputy is aware, under procurement regulations, funding can only be provided to private companies through an appropriate procurement process, other than where there is an innovative partnership for a necessary product or service not readily available otherwise.

Under the Education Act, Boards of Management of individual schools have responsibility for the day to day management of the school, and are funded on that basis. Schools have autonomy to make decisions as to the use of digital technologies for teaching and learning in their school, depending on their own context and in line with their Digital Learning Plan. The Department does not mandate or prescribe the use of specific tools or technologies, rather it provides advice and support to school to enable them to make informed decisions. Schools must also adhere to procurement regulations in utilising state funds for expenditure including on ICT infrastructure.