Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2020
336. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education the reason a school (details supplied) has been waiting a long time to be switched to a juniper box; if the box will be provided as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41472/20]
View answerThe delivery of high quality internet connectivity for all schools is a key objective of my Department. It is accepted that good connectivity is essential to ensure that schools are facilitated to progress the embedding of digital technologies in teaching and learning and for the implementation of new and revised curriculum.
The policy of my Department is to offer the best quality connectivity to all schools in line with the technical solutions available in the market and within financial constraints. Currently investment of some €13m is allocated annually for the provision of internet connectivity to schools. Broadband capacity can vary across geographical locations and is dependent on local infrastructure which can impact on the service that can be provided in individual schools.
In relation to the provision of a high speed school router for the school referred to by the Deputy, as noted, the most recent router contract expired earlier this year. My Department is obliged to adhere to procurement regulations, and to that end officials in my Department have been working with the Office of Government Procurement to put in place a new contract for the supply of, and associated services for, school routers. The request for tender was recently advertised publicly and a new contract is due to be issued in the very near future. Once this contract is in place, my Department will immediately draw down and begin upgrading school routers. The Schools Broadband Service Desk will be in contact with this school as soon as possible thereafter to arrange the upgrade.
