High-speed broadband in just 2% of schools

ONLY 2 per cent of schools in Ireland have high-speed broadband, according to information released to Fine Gael education spokesman Fergus O’Dowd.

Responding to the disclosure, the INTO said the lack of broadband was now a major barrier to teachers and pupils using digital technologies.

Overall, the level of broadband connectivity for Irish schools falls well behind the rest of Europe. Only 78 schools, or 2 per cent of the State’s 4,000+ schools, have access to high-speed broadband.

The information was supplied to Fine Gael in reply to a Dáil question to Minister for Education Mary Coughlan.

Last night, Mr O’Dowd said Ireland needed a quantum leap in school technology in order to become a major player in the global knowledge economy.

“Our students need to be provided with the best in ICT technology as well as the best access to the internet,” he added. “However, as this information shows, the Government continues to let them down.”