Michael Healy-Rae
Question:265. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education if she will address a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7481/24]
View answerTuesday, 20 February 2024
Questions (265)
Written answers
The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 was published last year and is underpinned by an investment of €200m to support its implementation, 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. The previous Digital Strategy for Schools 2015 to 2020 saw overall investment of €210m issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in annual grant funding. This funding enabled schools to invest in appropriate digital infrastructure to enable the embedding of the use of digital technology in teaching, learning and assessment.
The school referred to by the Deputy received funding under the Digital Strategy for schools in December 2021 totalling €4,794.80. The school also received an additional €5000 in Digital Divide Grant funding.
My Department intends to issue the next tranche of ICT grant funding in the current school year. The specific timing for issue of the ICT 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.
My Department provides specific English Language support to schools with pupils newly arrived into the country who have English as an additional language. Under this scheme, the school referred to by the Deputy has been allocated 20 part-time language support hours per week.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the school has received its first capitation grant instalment of €3,843 as well as an ancillary grant of €1,356.51 and a cost of living grant of € 2,940.00 for the 2023/2024 school year. Schools may use the capitation grant to assist with the purchase of teaching materials and resources.