Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2018
203. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary schools in counties Roscommon and Galway that do not have broadband due to lack of such services in their areas; the primary schools in counties Roscommon and Galway that have 5Mbps or less; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7052/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThrough the Schools Broadband Access Programme the Department provides for the supply of internet connectivity for all recognised primary and post primary schools, and some 98% of schools are included in this scheme. All post-primary schools and some special schools are now included in the 100Mbps programme.
Significant improvement has been made in recent years, with the number of primary schools with access to broadband speeds of greater that 30mbs having increased from less than 100 in 2012 to over 1000 in 2017. In Galway/Roscommon, no school in 2012 had access to broadband speeds of 30mbs or greater, now some 44 schools in Galway/Roscommon have access to broadband speeds of 30mbs or greater.
The policy of my Department is to offer the best quality connectivity to all schools in line with the technical solutions available in the market and financial constraints. Broadband capacity can vary due to geographical location and local infrastructure, and thus impact on the service that can be provided.
In counties Galway and Roscommon the number of schools on 5mbs or less is some 23 schools, while virtually all primary schools in both counties are currently connected under the Schools Broadband Access programme, some schools may choose not to participate in this scheme – they may have a relationship with a local provider which they prefer to maintain.
The need to improve broadband connectivity to primary schools is recognised in the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020, and access to high speed broadband is one of the indicators identified in the Digital Strategy Action Plan. An interdepartmental working group has been established to determine how best to address broadband connectivity to primary schools in collaboration with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, in the context of the National Broadband Plan and the Intervention Strategy, and proposed industry provision.
