Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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197. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she intends the digital strategy ICT grant to be an annual payment to ensure continuity for pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23572/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, I recently announced €50 million in grant funding for Information and Communications Technology (ICT). This ICT grant has now issued to all recognised primary, special schools and post-primary schools. This funding is being provided to schools to help them continue to embed the use of digital technologies in their teaching, learning and assessment and represents the second tranche of ICT funding under the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027.

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 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 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.

To date under the Digital Strategy for schools, a total investments of €310 million has issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in ICT 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.

Additionally, further Funding of €50m secured as part of Ireland's National Recovery and Resilience Plan under the NextGenerationEU Recovery and Resilience Facility 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.