Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 December 2004
206 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress which has been made with regard to the provision of broadband connection services to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33889/04]
View answerThe provision of broadband to schools is a central element of my Department's strategy for advancing ICT as a teaching and learning resource in first and second level education.
Earlier this year the Government reached agreement with the telecommunications sector on a major investment project which will see broadband connectivity delivered to all schools by the end of 2005. A three year fund of €18 million is being established for this purpose, with industry providing €5 million per annum and the Government providing €1 million per annum. Tenders for the provision of broadband to schools are currently being evaluated by a team of experts appointed by my Department and it is the intention to award contracts shortly with a view to commencing roll out of service to schools in the new year.
Additional Exchequer funding is being provided for the development of a secure national broadband network for schools managed centrally by HEAnet and a services help desk, managed by the national centre for technology in education, providing advice and support to schools on technical issues with broadband connectivity. Both the national network and the help desk are currently being developed and will be operational in the new year to support the roll out of broadband service to schools.
I also recently announced a new €18 million funding package for schools which will enable them to upgrade and augment their computer network facilities in advance of broadband roll out next year. This €18 million funding for computer networks, which is being paid to schools this month, is additional to the €18 million being provided for broadband connectivity through the industry and Government fund.
