ICT school grant
Deputy McGrath asked whether the ICT grant for schools is continuing or in limbo. The Taoiseach said he would check with the Minister for Education and come back with more information.
My office has received several queries from schools regarding the ICT grant. I asked a parliamentary question and the response I received was:
It is hoped to issue the next tranche of funding in the 2023-2024 school year. As with all such funding, the issuing of the grant is subject to the availability of Exchequer funding and the wider capital needs of the Department.
Many people and schools expected this grant to be continued. It is a badly needed and necessary grant. Was the grant initially meant to be yearly or is it now in limbo? When we saw members of Foróige downstairs today, I complimented them on all the things they can do with ICT. It is important for schools to have modern ICT and up-to-date facilities in current times.
Comment on this
I will come back to the Deputy about this when I have some more information. I visited Castleknock National School last week to mark its 300th anniversary. I was informed that while the plan for free school books will go ahead in September and will work well, the school was surprised that the ICT grant was not being renewed. I am not sure whether it is a recurring grant or was a one-off grant, but I undertook to look into it. I am working on it with the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, and will come back to the Deputy when I have more information.