Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2004
481 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if all circular letters and other such documents are to be sent to all primary schools by post until all schools have access to affordable broadband service; the allowance that schools get per year in order to allow them to pay for Internet access costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30235/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's commitment to quality customer service includes the commitment to maximise the use of technology to improve service delivery. Within the planning and building unit of my Department, the Internet is used as the predominant mechanism for disseminating information to schools on a range of relevant matters and issues. The unit has not received substantive complaints regarding this method of communication either from schools or from the education partners. It is proposed to continue this pilot and to use the Department's website to update school authorities on planning and building matters only. Other circulars and associated documents will continue to be sent by post.
Since 1999, some support has been available on an annual basis to schools to allow them access the Internet. Initially, through sponsorship by Eircom Limited, originally as Telecom Éireann, and laterally by arrangement within my Department limited free access was granted to all schools who wished it. In 2003-04, my Department gave schools direct grants of between €200 and €300 to support school Internet access charges.
My Department engaged in a public tender process, the results of which will see broadband Internet connectivity supplied to all recognised first and second level schools free of charge. The process will be funded as part of an agreement between Government and the Telecommunications and Internet Federation to which industry will contribute €15 million and the Exchequer €3 million in the period 2005 to 2007. I announced a new €18 million funding package on 20 November to enable primary and post-primary schools to upgrade and augment their computer network facilities in advance of broadband roll-out to schools. This new funding is additional to the €18 million being provided for broadband through the industry-Government fund.
The roll-out of broadband connectivity will be managed and moderated by a national school broadband network, which will provide a range of network support functions, including content filtering, virus protection, firewall and intrusion detection services, and a unified schools e-mail system. It is envisaged the broadband network will be in place at commencement of the broadband roll-out in early 2005 and that all schools will be connected by the end of that year.
