Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
1233. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the schoolbooks scheme can be examined to take account of schools, particularly post-primary schools, that use chromebooks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1691/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 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.
In relation to the use of digital devices and resources, it 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 prescribe the use of any particular devices or technologies in teaching and learning, and it 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.
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 €170 million will have issued to schools by the end of January 2026, with the most recent tranche of funding of €35 million announced for recognised primary, special schools and post-primary schools in December 2025. This funding will issue 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.
To further assist schools, the OGP, 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.
