Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2004
97 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of money his Department spent on Internet access for schools in 2002 and 2003; the amount that has been allocated for 2004; the percentage increase or decrease in real terms allowing for average annual inflation rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5224/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the 2002-03 academic year my Department assisted schools in respect of Internet access on the basis of subventing the telephone line rental, Internet service provider subscription cost and up to two hours dial-up usage per day. In all these supports cost some €2.2 million.
In the 2003-04 year my Department adjusted its support provision for schools' Internet access having regard to the advent in mid-2003 of significantly cheaper flat rate Internet services in the market and in view of departmental budget constraints. An Internet support grant of €200 for a PSTN line and €300 for an ISDN line is being made available in the 2003-04 academic year, the total cost of which will be in the region of €1 million. While, in absolute terms, this represents a reduction in funding of over 50%, a more competitive market means that Internet usage charges to schools can be at least 30% lower than in the previous year as a result of the recently introduced flat rate service. The funding support provided by my Department is an interim provision pending the introduction of a broadband Internet service for all first and second level schools. I hope to be in a position to make an announcement in this regard in the near future.
