Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
610. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Youth if there has been any progress in ring fencing a portion of the ICT funding allocated to post primary schools specifically for the provision of suitable computers for design and communication graphics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34937/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra611. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether her Department has engaged with post primary schools, teachers or relevant stakeholders regarding the need to ring fence ICT funding for DCG specific computer equipment; and if so, the outcome of those engagements. [34938/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra612. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Youth if consideration is being given to introducing a dedicated or ring fenced allocation within the post primary ICT grant to ensure schools can meet the technical requirements of design and communication graphics; and if she will outline any plans or timelines in this regard. [34939/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra613. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Youth her assessment of the impact on the delivery of design and communication graphics in post primary schools where ICT funding is insufficient to provide appropriate computer equipment; and the measures being taken to address this issue. [34940/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 610, 611, 612 and 613 together.
As the Deputy is aware, I announced earlier this year €35 million in grant funding for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) with this funding issuing to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in January 2026. This brings the total investment in ICT in schools under this current strategy to €170m.
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.
Schools, in conjunction with parents, are responsible for decisions on the use of digital technology, including tablet devices, laptops, and learning platforms, and how best to manage their integration into classroom practice reflective of their own context and requirement. This includes the integration of Design and Computer Graphic`s(DCG) in their school.
The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 and its associated Implementation Plan are underpinned by €200 million in ICT Infrastructure grant funding over the lifetime of the Strategy, as committed under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP).In total €380m has been invested in schools across the country since the implementation of the first Digital Strategy for Schools commenced in 2015 to date.
As part of the development of the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027, an extensive consultation process was undertaken with education stakeholders, including teachers and students, to help inform the strategy through their views and experiences.
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,
This includes specific higher specification hardware and dedicated software agreements for the Design and Computer Graphic subject. Schools are encouraged to avail of these frameworks which will enable them to comply with procurement requirements and achieve agreed, transparent, pricing.
