Brian Brennan (Wicklow-Wexford, Fine Gael)
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335. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she intends to rollout an ICT grant for schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13293/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Digital Strategy for Schools 2027, which builds on the progress made under the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020, will be underpinned by some €200m included in the National Development Plan 2021-2030 providing continuity of funding following the €210m that issued to schools to support the previous strategy.

The second tranche of the successor Digital Strategy ICT grant funding issued to schools in April 2024, bringing the total ICT grant funding issued under this current Digital Strategy to €100m. This funding issued directly to schools, as schools are best placed to identify the requirements of their own student cohort and to meet those requirements in the most appropriate way. This can include the purchase of ICT devices such as tablets, hybrid devices, or laptops etc. further details on the most recent ICT grant funding, can be found at: assets.gov.ie/289703/4faef53c-e6fa-4d9b-b5f0-629298d20507.pdf

It is anticipated that ICT grant funding will issue in this current school year, however, 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 aims to provide better clarity and certainty for schools on the timelines for payment of the ICT grant funding.