Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2025
395. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the roll-out of phone pouches for schools; if the details of the scheme have been prepared; if tenders have been issued; if contracts have been signed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13944/25]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, €9 million has been allocated in Budget 2025 to support post-primary schools to implement a restriction on the use of mobile phones during the school day, through the purchase of pouches or other secure storage solutions.
This initiative is intended to support the wellbeing of school students and improve learning outcomes. It is part of a suite of wellbeing measures provided by my Department and government, including mental health supports in schools, and support for the work of Coimisiún na Meán with the introduction of the Online Safety Code and associated resources.
The level of funding provided is intended to front-load the investment in year one, as the storage solutions can be reused year to year. For subsequent years, funding will be allocated to cover replacement costs that may arise over time. It should be noted is not mandatory for schools to purchase phone pouches.
The Department will assist schools in implementing the restriction on the use of and access to student mobile phones during the school day through the provision of appropriate guidance. Guidance will also be provided where schools have an existing solution in place.
For those post-primary schools who intend to implement their policy through the use of portable phone storage solutions, work is underway within the Department of Education to establish a procurement mechanism for schools to acquire an appropriate solution in accordance with procurement regulations, to be available before the end of the current school year.
The Schools Procurement Unit (SPU), which is the Department support service for schools to support and assist schools on procurement matters generally, will be available to provide assistance in relation to the procurement procedures for the procurement mechanism.
The Call for Tender (CfT) for the ‘Provision of Secure Mobile Phone Pouches for Students in Post-primary Schools’ published on the eTenders platform has now closed for submission of tenders. Tenders have been received and are in the process of being evaluated.
Funding will issue to schools to avail of the procurement mechanism established in due course, including the process for schools to avail of this funding.
Guidance will also be developed for schools to apply for funding in future years to replace the equipment when needed.
