Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2015
123. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the roll-out of high speed broadband for all primary and post-primary schools in Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25817/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources have invested heavily in the roll out of high-speed 100 Mbit/sec broadband to all post-primary schools. This has been a very successful initiative which is enhancing our young people's digital skills.
Ensuring that primary schools have good connectivity is challenging because we have 3,300 schools dispersed throughout the country. I accept that some primary schools in Dublin and elsewhere do not have good connectivity because of the broadband connectivity options available locally.
At present, my Department provides for internet connectivity for primary schools through public procurement. A competition has been initiated this month inviting tenders for upgrading connections for a significant number of primary schools. Improved broadband will be provided to schools where services are available and subject to cost constraints.
Addressing the issue of internet connectivity for primary schools will be a key priority in the forthcoming Digital Strategy for schools which I expect to launch shortly.
