Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 September 2020
546. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if funding for laptops will be extended to include a college (details supplied); if the college can avail of other Covid-19-related funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23501/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraHigher Education Institutions (HEIs) have been undertaking detailed planning and contingencies for their re-opening and communicating these to students, moving from emergency remote learning towards a mode of blended learning, combining both online and onsite provision. The details of these arrangements are being finalised with all HEIs having published their academic calendars with information on the dates for orientation and the beginning of teaching for the autumn semester.
In July I announced €168 million in funding to support the sector and students including a €15 million fund for technology supports.
In the higher education sector, grants are made available to those institutions that receive support under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) therefore as the college referred to by the Deputy does not receive funding under the SAF it did not come under the terms of the ICT grant.
The Department and HEA are finalising the distribution details for the rest of the funding package and a communication will issue to higher education institutions once this process has been completed.
