Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 May 2024
170. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 66 of 24 April 2024, when exactly the monies under the ICT grant will be paid to schools that are now short on funds due to expenditure on ICT and special needs equipment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20995/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently announced €50 million in grant funding for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) , which has now issued to all recognised primary, special Schools and post-primary schools. This ICT funding is being provided to schools to help them continue to use digital technologies in their teaching, learning and assessment and which represents the second tranche of ICT funding under the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027.
The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 was published last year and is underpinned by an investment of €200m to support its implementation, committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP). The first tranche of €50m issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in late 2021.
The specific timing for issue of the ICT grant is subject to the availability of Exchequer funding and the wider capital needs of the Department including the building programme to ensure the supply of school accommodation.
As part of the forthcoming Review of the National Development Plan, my Department’s aim is to provide better clarity and certainty for schools on the timelines for payment of minor works and ICT grant funding.
