Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
549. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth if it is permitted for a post-primary school to require parents to purchase a specific laptop model from a single designated supplier as a condition of a student’s participation in classroom learning; and if so, the statutory, circular or policy basis for same. [37796/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra557. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will confirm whether requiring parents to purchase a laptop in order for a child to fully participate in classroom learning is consistent with the principle of free post-primary education; and if she will outline the steps she will take to ensure no child is excluded from education due to inability to pay. [37804/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 549 and 557 together.
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 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. 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. The funding may be used for ICT infrastructure, as required, and can also support the establishment of a device lending scheme 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.
