Laptops worth almost €535,000 will be made available to higher-education students in Galway who would otherwise struggle to afford them as part of a government scheme to address “digital inequality” in the sector.
It is part of a €4.4 million funding package allocated to Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT ) and NUI Galway to support capital works and the purchase of new equipment for the forthcoming academic year.
Fine Gael TD for Galway West, Minister Hildegarde Naughton, said that the issue of “digital inequality” had become especially apparent during the Covid-19 pandemic, when students had to rely on technology for remote learning.
“Last year, more than 8,000 laptops were distributed to students in colleges and universities around the country, but this new investment represents a considerable scaling-up of the effort based on our recent experience,” she explained.
“Equality of access and opportunity in education is an absolutely fundamental principle, and the past year has taught us that it is no longer adequate in many cases to provide for on-campus computer access if this is to be achieved.”
The laptop scheme is primarily aimed at first-year students but it is open to anyone to seek support, Minister Naughton said. It will be overseen by the access offices of individual institutions.
A total of €534,122 has been made available for the provision of laptops to disadvantaged higher-education students in Galway, as part of a total of nearly €4.43 million for capital investment at GMIT and NUI Galway.
The remainder of the funding may be used to support the safe reopening of campuses, the purchase of other ICT devices, infrastructure to provide additional student places, as well as energy-efficiency measures and decarbonisation-related upgrades.
Nationally, a total of €38 million is being provided to higher-education institutions under the capital works and equipment scheme for the upcoming academic year.
Safe return to campus
Minister Naughton said that the investment would help to facilitate a safe and successful return to campus-based learning as students return this month.
“It’s a very exciting time for students, but it can be a stressful one too, as some families struggle with the considerable costs involved. That has been accentuated since the sudden additional reliance on technology prompted by the pandemic,” she said.
“This will provide some relief to individuals in that position, and ensure that our education system remains open and accessible to every section of society regardless of background or means.”
The funding was also welcomed by senator Aisling Dolan who said this is fantastic investment for Higher Education as students return to campus this month.
“With €4,427,965 allocated to NUI Galway and Galway-Mayo IT, this will support safety on campus as well as investment in our colleges for additional student numbers.
“€534,000 device fund for students in both NUI Galway and Galway-Mayo IT will mean no-one is being left behind. It will ensure laptops and devices for those who need them and that all students can reach their potential as they start in college. This fund will prioritise first years and families can contact Student Access Offices to find out more.
“With so many receiving Leaving Cert results, it is an exciting time and there are so many options for our school leavers. With apprenticeship programmes in finance, accountancy, pharma and more, students could have the opportunity to work in a role from the very beginning to know if they enjoy it. Find out more how you can earn and learn your way to a degree or PhD on apprenticeship.ie
“Many people will move between 2-3 careers so lifelong learning is a great way to continue our education. Further education opportunities area available locally through Galway-Roscommon Education Training Board at gretb.ie”
