Cathal Crowe
Question:176. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education when schools can expect to receive their ICT grant for this year. [22214/23]
View answerThursday, 11 May 2023
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Written answers
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 first tranche of funding under the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 totaling €50m issued in December 2021, part of the total amount of investment of some €200m committed to support the implementation of the Digital Strategy through the National Development Plan. Under the Digital Strategy for Schools 2027 and subject to the available exchequer funding, and the Departments capital funding requirement, the remaining amount of some €150m will issue over the lifetime of the Digital Strategy for Schools 2027. As with funding under the previous strategy, the funding issued directly to schools as schools are best placed to identify the requirements of their own student cohort and to meet those requirements in the most appropriate way.
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.