Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 February 2022
463. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education when the long-promised fibre optic broadband service will be provided for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9660/22]
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.
My Department operates the Schools Broadband Programme at an annual cost of some €13m, providing broadband connectivity to schools through a range of technologies at the best available connectivity based on local infrastructure. The school referred to by the Deputy is currently on 12 Mb wireless broadband connection, which is a dedicated service to the school.
The school was included in a recent tender to put in place a new contract for broadband services and was awarded to a provider of high speed broadband. That provider has advised that work is continuing on the installation of the service to the school, with the pre-installation works now completed. The provider will be in contact with the school directly in due course to organise the final connection in the school.
As the Deputy will be aware the Department is obliged to adhere to procurement regulations, and must engage with the selected providers on the DES Framework of Providers of Broadband Services through a tender process to award services. This is the basis on which all state-funding is utilised to ensure transparency and equal treatment for all schools and providers, and adherence to regulatory requirements.
