Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
526. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of recognised primary and post-primary schools that require students to use personal digital devices for schoolwork or homework; the number of students affected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29722/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt 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, rising to 227 post-primary schools for 2025/2026, reflecting local, school-level decisions on digital learning approaches.
The Department does not hold data on the number of individual students affected, 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.
I am keenly aware of the challenges faced by educators and parents in relation to costs of digital technology, including tablets, and my Department continues to work to help support schools and families meet these costs. A number of measures are in place to support educators and parents, as part of my department’s ongoing commitment to reduce financial pressure on families and ensure every student is supported to succeed. This includes an instruction from my department to schools to consult with parents and their school community on the issue of ensuring costs are reasonable for parents, and how to avoid costs acting as a barrier - wherever possible, generic rather than branded items should be specified (e.g. uniform, clothing, IT tablets, sports equipment etc.). Schools should also provide a full list of required items, with guidance on best-value options. Circular 32/2017 sets out the measures to be adopted by schools to reduce the cost of school uniforms and other costs.
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, 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.
Funding under the Post-primary Schoolbooks Scheme does not extend to the purchase of digital devices by schools. However, it is recognised that some post-primary schools have, over the past number of years, moved away from the use of schoolbooks, including eBooks. Teachers in these schools have generated their own bank of resources for students. When schools that use teacher-generated resources and content have eliminated the cost of all required schoolbooks and classroom resources, as detailed in the scheme guidance, they may use any surplus funding to cover other resources associated with teacher-generated resources, such as, purchasing or subscribing to educational apps. If surplus funding remains, these schools may use the funding to facilitate the provision of a digital device loan scheme to students, as required.
