High-speed internet access on a go-slow

ONE-IN-FIVE schools are still without high-speed internet access despite assurances from the Department of Education that a planned broadband connection programme would be completed this month.

The €18 million investment by Government and industry was announced in February 2004 and was due to be fully in place by the end of 2005.

Protracted contract negotiations delayed the process and the deadline was subsequently extended.