Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 September 2020
55. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when laptops ordered to assist students with online and blended learning will be available to students of further education colleges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22629/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraA fund for student devices worth €15 million was part of a €168 million package for further and higher education sectors to deal with the impacts of Covid-19. Funding of €10 million has been provided to the higher education sector and €5m to the Further Education and Training sector.
The funding is being provided to eligible Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and ETBs (plus a number of other SOLAS-funded FET providers) in accordance with allocation models agreed with the HEA and SOLAS.
My Department has worked closely with the HEA, SOLAS, ETBI and HEANet (the entity providing connectivity and associated ICT services to education and research bodies across Ireland) to design and deliver the grant support. This funding has already allowed higher education institutions and further education institutions place a bulk order of 16,700 devices for students.
The specific arrangements for the distribution of the devices to disadvantaged students are a matter for each individual institution. HEANet is endeavouring to ensure that the laptops are available in each institution by, or as close as possible to, the start of the academic year, and deliveries are being scheduled to take account of individual start dates. Due to reopening of FET institutions generally happening in advance of the reopening of higher education, delivery of devices to those settings is being prioritised. Under the terms of the grant, devices must remain the property of the HEI/ETB, be offered to students under appropriate lending schemes, and also comply with certain conditions of sanction set down by the Office of Government Chief Information Officer in relation to security and appropriate usage.
