Michael Healy-Rae
Question:250. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education if she will provide funding for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19977/23]
View answerThursday, 27 April 2023
Questions (250)
Written answers
I recently announced €29 million in minor works funding for primary and special schools. This funding can be used not only for the maintenance and small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds but also for the provision of ICT infrastructure in schools.
I am keenly aware of the challenges faced by educators and parents in relation to costs of digital technology, including tablets, and my Department continues to work to help support schools and families meet these costs. In 2017 a circular letter issued to schools with measures to be adopted to reduce the cost of school uniforms and other costs including such ICT devices. assets.gov.ie/12695/2045e7ccec684f72b55d93930e45372c.pdf
This circular also instructed schools to consult with parents and their school community on the issue of ensuring costs are reasonable for parents, and how to avoid costs acting as a barrier. This circular specified that wherever possible, generic rather than branded items should be specified (e.g. uniform, clothing, IT tablets, sports equipment etc.).
Decisions regarding the use and deployment of digital technology in schools is a matter for the Board of Management of each school. Schools are advised to consult with members of the school community including parents when planning for the introduction of digital technologies including devices with cost and other implications been fully considered by the Boards of Managements before a decision is made.
The Professional Development Service for Teachers Technology in Education (PDST-TIE) offers advice and supports to schools on digital learning. Advice sheets are available on digital technology in education, including on the adoption of laptops and tablets in schools.
The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 was published in April 2022 and builds on the achievements of the previous Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020. It aims to further support the school system so that all students across our schools have the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills they need to navigate an ever-evolving digital world successfully. The strategy was developed following an extensive consultation process with all relevant stakeholders including students, parents/guardians, teachers and industry and sets out the various supports and resources available to schools in this important area.
The strategy is underpinned by an overall investment of €200m, €50m of which has already issued directly to schools. In addition, €50m in grant funding was issued in November 2021 as part of Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) to address the needs of learners at risk of the digital divide. Again, building on the overall investment of €210m under the previous strategy.
gov.ie/en/circular/b4fea-grant-scheme-for-eu-nrrp-funding-to-schools-to-address-the-digital-divide-and-learners-at-risk-of-educational-disadvantage/
Schools are being encouraged to use this significant investment that has been made in ICT and to utilise their existing resources for the supporting of Ukrainian children.
Finally, a central repository of information and CPD resources for school leaders and teachers to support cultural and linguistic diversity is being developed on the Scoilnet.ie website that schools are familiar with. These supports to include those designed by the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) to help children suffering from trauma and EAL, intercultural and relevant curriculum supports developed by the teacher education supports services including PDST, the NCCA and the ETB sector.