Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2026
82. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of primary- and post-primary schools that require students to have a digital device for learning instead of traditional textbooks; the number of these that are DEIS schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35455/26]
View answerIt is the responsibility of each individual school to select the digital resources, if any, that it will use to support its implementation of the curriculum. The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 does not mandate or prescribe the use of any particular devices or technologies in teaching and learning, rather it advocates for the deeper embedding of digital technologies in teaching and learning to develop digital literacy and competence, critical thinking and collaborative practice. It is not merely focused on using digital devices as an alternative to physical textbooks or resources.
Accordingly, there is no Department requirement for students to use personal digital devices for schoolwork or homework. The most recent data the department has on hand following a survey issued by the SIU section in relation to the Free School Books Scheme, indicates that 173 post-primary schools sought parent provision of a digital device in the 2024/2025 school year, 36 of those were DEIS, rising to 227 post-primary schools for 2025/2026 44 of those were DEIS , reflecting local, school-level decisions on digital learning approaches.
The Department does not hold data on the number of individual student devices, as decisions of this nature are made at school level.
Where digital devices are used as part of teaching and learning, schools are expected to ensure that no child is disadvantaged due to lack of access to technology. Schools are also required to comply with data protection and child wellbeing obligations, and to set out their approach to digital technology use in relevant policies, including the Acceptable Use Policy, in consultation with parents and pupils, as appropriate.
It should be noted that under the Education Act, the Boards of Management of Schools have responsibility for the day-to-day management of schools. Decisions regarding the use and deployment of digital technology in schools is therefore a matter for the Board of Management of each school in the context of their digital learning planning. Schools are advised to consult with members of the school community including parents when planning for the introduction of digital technologies including devices with cost and other implications being fully considered by the Boards of Management before a decision is made.
The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 was published in 2022 and is underpinned by funding of €200m over the course of the strategy to support its implementation, which was committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP).
Under this current strategy a total of €170m has issued to schools, with the most recent tranche of funding of €35 million issued to all recognised primary, special schools and post-primary schools in January 2026. This funding issued directly to schools, as they are best placed to determine the needs of their own students and have autonomy to do so. This funding can be used on ICT infrastructure as required in the schools and can provide for loan schemes for devices for students as appropriate.
This funding demonstrates the ongoing commitment to support schools to embed the use of digital technologies in teaching learning and assessment, providing funding to support each school in its digital learning planning, fairly and transparently, regardless of the individual approach taken by the school.
To further assist schools, the OGP, Asiera (formerly known as HEAnet), as well as my Department, have established a number of frameworks of providers of digital devices including tablets, pcs and laptops, with appropriate specifications, agreed pricing, and levels of service, as well as providing framework management. Schools are encouraged to avail of these frameworks which will enable them to comply with procurement requirements and achieve agreed, transparent, pricing.
My Department is committed to ensuring that enactment of Senior Cycle Redevelopment contributes positively to student experience in Senior Cycle including through revised assessment arrangements that allow all students demonstrate their strengths and learning. There is no requirement under the new subject specifications for students to have their own laptops, and decisions on device use rest with school boards, who are advised to prioritise affordability and equity and to consult with parents.
