Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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194. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the laptop scheme for third-level students will be extended to Teagasc students; if the estimated cost of the measure will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27620/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Requests for funding for Teagasc students is a matter for the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.

I have been in contact with my colleague the Minister for Agriculture on this matter and I will refer your query to him for direct response.

Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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195. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the eligibility criteria for applying for laptops funded by his Department in response to the Covid-19 pandemic (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27510/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As part of a package of COVID supports for the higher and further education sector approved by Government on 22 July 2020, my Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has allocated €15 million of capital funding for a once-off Covid-19 Grant to support disadvantaged students in accessing ICT devices. This grant is being made available to further and higher education institutions. The institutions are using the grant funding to purchase devices to support disadvantaged students who are encountering challenges in accessing devices for online and blended learning. The distribution of the devices will be via appropriate lending schemes, and the associated terms and conditions, will be a matter for each individual further or higher education provider.

Students should contact the access office of the institution they attend for further information.