Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 October 2016
9. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress being made on providing a telephone line for a school (details supplied) in order that it can receive the free broadband package under the schools broadband initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29902/16]
View answerThrough the Schools Broadband Access Programme, my Department provides for the supply of internet connectivity for all recognised primary, post-primary and special schools. The overall policy of my Department is to offer the best quality connectivity to all schools in line with technical solutions available in the market and within required financial parameters. My Department continually reviews the availability of services and upgrades schools where the opportunity arises.
A framework involving 14 providers was put in place in 2012 which has ensured improved solutions are available to primary schools. A recent drawdown off the framework saw approximately 90% of school connections retendered, with over 1,100 schools awarded connections of 30Mbit/s or greater.
In the case of the school referred to by the Deputy, the provider, who was awarded a contract under the framework, has been unable to provide the broadband service as anticipated due to issues outside of its control. My Department is currently working with this broadband provider to investigate alternative solutions to put the service in place.
In general terms, the need to improve broadband connectivity to primary schools is recognised in the new Digital Strategy for Schools and my Department will collaborate with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment to address this as a priority action. Work on the implementation of the Strategy is now underway.
