Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
304. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 331 and 332 of 30 June 2026, whether schools are required to follow public procurement rules when selecting a supplier of laptops or chromebooks for students; whether her Department provides guidance to schools on this process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53055/26]
View answerAs the deputy is aware, the provision and use of digital devices in schools is a matter for the board of management, having regard to their unique circumstances, educational programmes and the needs of their students. Schools are best placed to determine how technology can support teaching and learning in their settings, including decisions relating to device usage.
I have recently communicated directly with all schools and boards of management, clarifying the department's position that there is no requirement for a personal device for junior or leaving cert and I requested schools to be cognisant of the views of parents in relation to the use of digital devices and the associated costs. Also, I stressed the need for schools to engage with all parents - and not just the Parent's Association - before deciding on an approach regarding devices.
I will continue to engage with educational stakeholders on this matter.
All Schools are required to ensure that public funding is spent in accordance with the relevant public procurement guidance and procedures when purchasing goods and services, including laptops, Chromebooks and other digital devices for students. Schools should seek to obtain value for money and comply with applicable national and EU procurement requirements.
The Department provides a range of supports to assist schools in meeting these requirements. The Schools Procurement Unit (SPU) established by my Department is the central support resource for providing guidance to all primary and post-primary schools (except ETB schools) on any procurement-related issue. The SPU delivers free advice and practical support to schools to help them achieve improvements in their procurement processes, practices and outcomes.
In addition, schools can avail of guidance on the procurement of digital technology equipment through Oide Technology in Education, the support service directly funded by my department, which provides technical and purchasing considerations for devices such as laptops, Chromebooks and other digital technology infrastructure. Guidance includes information on procurement frameworks and purchasing options to support schools in making appropriate and compliant purchasing decisions.
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.
