Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)
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161. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to ensure schools that are operating via Windows 10 are supported to upgrade all ICT infrastructure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39683/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 was published in 2022 and is underpinned by funding of €200m over the course of the strategy to support its implementation, which was committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP). The funding allocation model provided for in the National Development Plan commits to funding to issue over the period of the NDP, applied by the Department for the Digital Strategy duration (to 2027 for the current strategy). As this is capital funding, grant issue in each year 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.

The most recent tranche of funding of €35 million issued to all recognised primary, special schools and post-primary schools in May 2025. This funding issued directly to schools, as they are best placed to determine the needs of their own students and have autonomy to do so, within the criteria applying to this funding. This funding can be used on ICT infrastructure as required in the schools, and can include provision for loan schemes for devices for students as appropriate. It is anticipated that issuing €35m in funding this year will enable the balance of €65m to issue over the final two years of the Strategy.

The criteria applying to the ICT Infrastructure Grant is detailed in the associated circular at the time of issue of the grant.

Oide Technology in Education (Oide TiE), the specialist area within my department's support service for teachers, provides advice and support to schools on ICT infrastructure, and is aware of the Windows 10 matter. As such, Oide TiE is available to assist schools, and can be contacted via a dedicated email alias, with further information on the Oide Technology in Education website.