Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2004
148 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the timescale within which he hopes to roll-out broadband Internet connections to all primary and secondary schools in the country; and the way in which he intends to finance such a roll-out. [5828/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, my responsibility lies in developing and implementing public policy that ensures broadband services are widely available at an affordable price in the Irish market, whether such services are provided for citizens, businesses or schools. The case for the provision of broadband to all primary and secondary schools is compelling, particularly with regard to improving and ensuring the quality of the education experience; access to global information sources; the possibilities of communication and collaboration between school communities, at home and abroad; a seamless transition from second to third level education; the skills required for competitiveness of the economy; and the inclusion of geographically remote schools.
In addition, it is likely that the provision of broadband to schools will drive demand and deployment of broadband technologies within the wider community. My Department has been working with the Department of Education and Science to develop plans for such provision. During 2003 the Department of Education and Science commissioned a consultancy study on the options for providing broadband to schools around the country taking into account the practical issues of market ability to provide such connectivity, the range of delivery technologies available, timescale for delivery, cost and scale.
Since the completion of this report in August 2003, detailed discussions have taken place between my Department, the Department of Education and Science and the telecommunications industry regarding the allocation of resources from both industry and Government to ensure such provision and a timescale for implementation. I am pleased that agreement was reached with the telecommunications industry, represented by the telecommunications and Internet federation of IBEC, earlier today regarding the provisioning of broadband to schools. This agreement involves a voluntary commitment of €15 million over three years by the telecommunications sector, augmented by a Government contribution of €3 million, towards the cost of providing broadband services to all primary, voluntary secondary, vocational, community, comprehensive and special needs schools.
The Department of Education and Science, assisted by my Department, will shortly begin a competitive tendering process for the procurement of such broadband services to all schools, with a view to awarding contracts in autumn 2004 and beginning the roll-out to schools by end 2004.
