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Student Support Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 October 2020

Tuesday, 13 October 2020

Questions (214)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

214. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if funding and resources will be provided to enable schools to provide for students who need access to technology and the internet outside of the classroom; if her attention has been drawn in particular to this need within the Traveller community; the steps she will take to provide internet and device access in the homes of students who do not have access to these resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29630/20]

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Written answers

The Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020, sets out a plan to embed the use of digital technology in teaching, learning and assessment, and affirms that the use of digital technology can enhance the teaching and learning experience. The Strategy recognises however that schools require investment in their ICT infrastructure. Funding of €210m has been committed to support the implementation of this strategy with €110m issued over the last three years and a further €50m issued recently in respect of the 2019-2020 school year. The remaining €50m under this provision will issue to schools during the current school year (2020-2021) subject to the availability of exchequer funding.

This funding can be focussed on assisting schools to address ICT needs including the purchase of devices, software and infrastructural solutions to support the provision of remote learning, including the purchase of digital devices that can be shared with students who do not have access to devices. Schools are best placed to determine the most appropriate solution to adopt in terms of supporting the learning needs of their students based on their own context and circumstances.

Schools have been advised of direct drawdown mechanisms for the purchase of laptops. HEAnet operates an aggregated order process on its Single Provider Framework with Dell, while Datapac also do so through a Single Provider Framework with HP. Both of these Frameworks have been established from the OGP Framework of Providers of Laptops. This was intended to enable laptop orders from schools to be prioritised, during the current public health crisis. Schools are responsible for the procurement of any such equipment in accordance with relevant procurement requirements and according to their own needs.

The Professional Development Service for Teachers Technology in Education (PDST-TIE) offers advice and supports to schools on digital learning. Advice sheets are available on digital technology in education, including on the adoption of laptops and tablets in schools. The information on their website outlines what these devices can offer schools to support teaching, learning and assessment, and facilitate students' active learning and collaboration. Specific items for consideration including software and hardware requirements and purchasing regulations, are addressed in the support information.

Separately, and through the Schools Broadband Access Programme, my Department provides for improved ICT infrastructure for the supply of internet connectivity for all recognised primary and post primary schools and some 98% of schools avail of this service. The delivery of high quality internet connectivity for all schools, to support the embedding of digital technologies in teaching and learning, is a key objective of my Department. The Schools Broadband Programme is operated by my Department at an annual cost of some €13m.

It is recognised of course that poor access to home broadband does present challenges for the education system in the current crisis. With this in mind, schools have been asked to consider the needs of students who may not have access to online facilities and to address this in their responses. My Department will continue to work with the education partners to support schools on how best to use digital and other solutions to provide continuity of learning for students at this time.

The National Traveller Roma Inclusion Strategy (NTRIS) published by the Department of Justice and Equality provides the framework and strategic direction for interventions across a range of Government Departments to support the additional needs of the Traveller and Roma communities in Ireland. Officials of my Department participate in the national steering group and oversee the implementation of the education actions of NTRIS.

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