Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 April 2017
128. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of funding provided under the capital plan for the information technology infrastructure across his Department; the amount spent to date; the progress to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19286/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s capital expenditure on information and communications technology (ICT)infrastructure is determined on an annual basis, guided by my Department's ICT Strategy and the Public Service ICT Strategy. Capital expenditure on ICT infrastructure across my Department's offices amounted to €240,000 approx for 2016. This amount covered capital expenditure on internet connectivity, hardware, licensing etc. It is anticipated that approx €250,000 will be spent in 2017 in respect of ICT infrastructure across my Department's office network.
Under the Digital Strategy for Schools, Enhancing Teaching, Learning and Assessment, €210m is committed for the upgrading of school ICT infrastructure including equipment over the period to 2020. The first tranche of grants amounting to €30m was paid earlier this year.
