New funding for schools has been announced by Minister for Education Norma Foley.
A total of €79 million in funding will be going to support digital learning in schools and minor building works.
It has been revealed that a total of €50 million in grant funding for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) will be issued shortly to all recognised primary and post-primary schools.
This funding will help these schools to continue to use digital technologies in their teaching, learning and assessment.
A separate €29 million in minor works funding will be provided to primary and special schools around the country. It can be used by these schools for maintenance and small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds.
Speaking out about the funding announcement, Minister Foley said, “I am pleased today to be announcing funding which will support primary, post-primary and special schools throughout Ireland to enhance both school settings and teaching and learning, to benefit our pupils and students”.
“ICT grant funding will support schools to ensure they can continue to embed the use of digital technologies in their teaching, learning and assessment”.
Foley added, “Digital technologies can open up a world of opportunities to our pupils and students. It is important that schools can properly equip our young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding to harness the benefits of such technologies”.
Minister Foley revealed that she is also commissioning further research into the use of digital technologies in teaching and learning as part of the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027.
The Minister for Education explained, “Implementation of this strategy is well underway so it is timely to consider where we are in this journey”.
“To that end, I am further commissioning research on the impact on student learning and wellbeing through the use of digital technologies in teaching and learning to help inform policy and optimise the resources and supports provided to schools”.
