Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
603. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if primary schools will receive a digital strategy ICT grant this academic year and in the next line with the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027;and if not, if she will provide her rationale. [28376/23]
View answer617. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Education the position regarding ICT grant funding this school year; the rationale regarding the withdrawal of this funding stream given the need for schools to progress their digital learning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28517/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 603 and 617 together.
Under the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015 to 2020 overall investment of €210m issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in annual grant funding. This funding was to support schools to invest in appropriate digital infrastructure to embed the use of digital technology in teaching, learning and assessment.
The new Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 was published last year and is underpinned by an investment of €200m to support schools over the period committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP). The first tranche of €50m issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in late 2021.
It is hoped to issue the next tranche of funding in the 2023-2024 school year. As with all such funding, the issuing of the grant is subject to the availability of Exchequer funding and the wider capital needs of the Department including the building programme to ensure the supply of school accommodation.
It is anticipated that the funding committed to under the NDP will be available to support the implementation of the Digital Strategy to Schools in future years.
As with funding under the previous strategy, the funding under the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 issues directly to schools as they are best placed to identify the requirements of their own learner cohort and to meet those requirements in the most appropriate way in accordance with their digital learning plan.
The recently announced €29 million in minor works funding for primary and special schools can be used not only for the maintenance and small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds but also for the provision of ICT infrastructure in schools.
