Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
372 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the current procedures for application for, and the current rates of payment of, the ICT grant for primary and secondary schools; if this is payable to all schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21523/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that my Department, in conjunction with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and with financial assistance from the telecommunications industry, has undertaken to supply broadband Internet connectivity to all schools by the end of 2005.
In support of this initiative my Department has identified the development of computer networking facilities within schools as a priority in the provision of school ICT infrastructure in the current and succeeding two years. To this end my Department in June invited schools to consider and submit computer networking proposals for funding. Based upon applications submitted in this regard schools will receive grants ofbetween €1,000 and €20,000, depending on school size.
The initial closing date for receipt of applications in this regard was last Monday, 27 September and my Department is currently processing the proposals. It is envisaged that grant approvals will issue to schools in late October within the constraints of the funding available to me in 2004. Further approvals will be made in early 2005 in the light of ongoing applications from schools and having regard to the provision available to my Department in that year.
