Telecommunications Services.

Tuesday, 28 June 2005

Ceisteanna (759)

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

761 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science further to her stated commitment to ensure that schools have broadband internet connection, if she has discussed with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the way in which this can be achieved; if she has discussed with him the way in which it can be achieved at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; her views on whether it is unfair to make available an information technology grant to such a school when it cannot use same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22830/05]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

A major focus for my Department at present is the roll-out of broadband internet connectivity to all recognised primary and post-primary schools. This project is being undertaken in partnership with industry, following the establishment of a three year €18 million joint Government and IBEC — TIF fund. In this context, my Department, in conjunction with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, conducted a public procurement process designed to achieve the optimal solution for each school having regard to the broadband delivery technology options available.

Following the outcome of the procurement process, a mix of broadband technologies will be utilised in schools, including wireless, fixed line, or DSL, and satellite technologies.

The position on the school referred to by the Deputy is that the award made as part of the public procurement process was for a broadband connection via satellite technology. The individual service providers will be in touch with schools to make the necessary arrangements for the installation of the broadband connection. The school authorities applied to my Department for a grant to develop its internal computer networking facilities and was awarded the requested amount of €1,350 in December, 2004.