More secondary schools in Ireland may be able to take advantage of a high-speed broadband connection as plans to equip every establishment in the country with the technology move forward.

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte stated the rollout will be a vital part of improving ICT teaching and building a skilled workforce for the future.

"Our aim is to ensure that the current and future generation of second level pupils have the skills and competencies to fully embrace the challenges and opportunities of the digital age," Mr Rabbitte said.

He added he expects to be in a position to announce specific proposals for the adoption of the technology in the autumn, when the financing of the initiative will be worked out as part of general budgetary discussions.

This follows a successful pilot scheme that saw 78 second level schools receive a superfast 100 Mbps connection.

Last month, it was reported by the Irish Times that Mr Rabbitte had criticised the Department for Education for not doing enough to implement broadband in schools quickly enough.

Written by Donal Walsh
 

Comments