Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 September 2021
100. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education if she will expedite an intervention by the school’s broadband service for a school (details supplied) given the poor broadband service currently available and the large number of pupils adversely affected by same; if the school is in the contract area for a national broadband contract; and if so, when a fibre broadband service will be delivered to the school. [45441/21]
View answerThe 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, through the Schools Broadband Programme. Currently investment of some €13m is allocated annually for the provision of internet connectivity to schools. As you will be aware, 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.
The school referred to by the Deputy is currently in contract with a provider of high speed broadband for a 100 Mbp/s fibre to the cabinet broadband connection which is the best available. This contract is in its final year, so services for this school will be included in the next available broadband tender, thus ensuring a new service will be in put in place once the current contract expires. This school is not in the National Broadband Plan intervention area.
I have asked my officials to request that the Schools Broadband Service Desk (1800 334466) contact the school to ensure that the maximum service on their current connection is being received, and to investigate if internal networking issues may be impacting services in the school be it the wireless or wired network.
