Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 May 2026
261. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education and Youth if consideration will be given to extending the free schoolbooks scheme or introducing a dedicated technology grant to assist families with the cost of mandatory devices required by schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39353/26]
View answerAs Minister for Education and Youth, I want to ensure that all children and young people have the opportunity of access to education that empowers them to thrive and realise their full potential.
Last year saw the introduction of the final phase of the free schoolbooks scheme, with the extension of the scheme to Senior Cycle students in post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme. From the start of the current school year, for the first time, all children and young people enrolled in primary, special and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme were provided with schoolbooks/eBooks and core classroom resources. Parents and guardians were not asked to purchase or to make a financial contribution to the school towards the cost of these items.
My department has published guidance for post-primary schools around the operation of the Post-primary Schoolbooks Scheme, in continued engagement with all stakeholders. Further information on the free schoolbooks scheme is available at: www.gov.ie/schoolbookschemes
With a total funding package of over €170 million available in 2025, the Schoolbooks Scheme continues to benefit almost one million children and young people and is helping to ease the financial burden facing families at back-to-school time.
The department's strategy on ICT in schools, the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027, does not mandate or prescribe the use of any particular devices or technologies in teaching and learning. The Strategy is concerned with the deeper embedding of digital technologies in education, to develop digital literacy and competency, critical thinking, and enhance collaborative learning. It is not merely about replacing physical textbooks and resources with digital versions accessed via a digital device.
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.
Department guidance states that schools should support equitable access to ICT for all students and may provide devices on loan to students (via device loan schemes) where required. Schools are also advised to consult with parents and the wider school community when developing technology policies that may involve costs for families, including the requirement for devices. However, there is no dedicated funding stream for one-to-one student devices. Schools have flexibility to use their ICT grants to meet local priorities, including infrastructure, maintenance and device provision, within available resources.
