Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 September 2021
475. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Education if a school (details supplied) will be connected under the national broadband plan given that it is unable to access the school's broadband programme due to location.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46592/21]
View answerMy Department operates the Schools Broadband Programme at an annual cost of some €13m, providing connectivity to schools through a range of technologies at the best level of connectivity available based on local infrastructure. The school referred to by the Deputy was provided with a DSL connection, which unfortunately is a low speed connection and it is appreciated this is less than optimal. There has been engagement between the school and the Schools Broadband Service Desk, with the school requesting an improved service, however it has not previously been possible to provide anything other than the DSL connection. The school did not avail of this connection, however, if the school is interested in re-joining the programme the school should record their request with the Schools Broadband Service Desk. As required under procurement regulations the school can then be included in the next available tender for broadband services to schools, at which stage the best level of connectivity available will be determined in order to award a contract for services. The Broadband service desk is the Department's dedicated broadband service desk which is managed by the Professional Development Service for Teachers - Technology in Education (PDST-TiE). They can be contacted by phoning 1800334466 or by emailing broadbandservicedesk@pdst.ie.
The school referred to is in the National Broadband Plan Intervention Area, with implementation underway. My Department is engaging with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications on this implementation to prioritise school connectivity, with all schools in the NBP to be provided with high speed broadband infrastructure by the end of 2022. When the infrastructure becomes available, the school will be upgraded to that service through the Schools Broadband Programme. My officials have confirmed with colleagues in the Department of Environment. Climate and Communications that this school in question is on the list for NBI infrastructure connectivity by end 2022.
