Many schools in Ireland may be unable to provide children with the best possible education due to the lack of a good-quality broadband connection, the Minister for Communications has stated.

Pat Rabbitte said his department is prepared to address the problem and has enough funding to implement a rollout of better provisions, but is being hampered by a lack of action from the Department for Education, the Irish Times reported.

Addressing the Dail communications committee, he stated he did not have a "willing partner in Education", as this section of the government is struggling with its own budget.

Mr Rabbitte explained that he is not "responsible for what goes on behind the school gate", but will continue to hold talks with the Department for Education to try and come up with a solution.

He added the current situation, where many pupils are able to get a better connection at home than in school, cannot continue.

Earlier this year, it was stated by lecturer at the Waterford Institute of Technology Dr Patrick Felicia in the Irish Independent that many students in Ireland could benefit from interactive learning in the classroom, something that may require a good internet speed to be successful.

Written by Donal Walsh
 

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