Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
553. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the ICT-related funding streams provided to post-primary schools, including digital strategy and technology grants, and to clarify whether such funding may be used to provide devices directly to students who cannot afford compulsory laptop costs. [37800/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra554. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the oversight and enforcement mechanisms that exist to regulate school policies which impose compulsory laptop purchases on parents, including where parents are directed to a single supplier; and the actions available to the Department where such policies cause financial hardship. [37801/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra558. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth in respect of funding provided to post-primary schools under the Digital Strategy for Schools and associated ICT and technology grant schemes, the checks and oversight mechanisms in place to ensure that such funding is being used to support student access to digital learning, including the provision of laptops or devices for students whose families cannot afford same; and if she will clarify whether schools are permitted to state that such funding may only be used for school-based ICT infrastructure and cannot be utilised to support students directly. [37805/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 553, 554 and 558 together.
The department's strategy on ICT in schools, the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027, does not mandate or prescribe the use of any particular devices or technologies in teaching and learning. The Strategy 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.
Through the digital strategy, schools are directly funded for ICT and have autonomy to determine which infrastructure and devices (including tablets or laptops) are utilised, in line with their Digital Learning Plans. Schools must also have acceptable usage policies in place and may use ICT funding to support new curricula and assessment.
Department guidance states that schools should support equitable access to ICT for all students and may provide devices on loan to students (via device loan schemes) where required. Schools are also advised to consult with parents and the wider school community when developing technology policies that may involve costs for families. However, there is no dedicated funding stream for one-to-one student devices. Schools have flexibility to use their ICT grants to meet local priorities, including infrastructure, maintenance and device provision, within available resources.
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. additionally, schools are required to be compliance with Circular: 13/2014 Management of and Accountability for Grants from Exchequer Funds and this is further set out in the associated grant circulars.
Under the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027, some €200 million has been committed through the National Development Plan for school ICT, with around €170 million already allocated to schools. The most recent tranche of the ICT Grant €35 million which issued to schools in January 2026. Funding is provided through annual ICT grants based on a flat-rate per school and a per-student amount, and must be used for ICT infrastructure, including networks, classroom technology, software and shared student devices. To provide certainty for schools, the ICT grant payment timeline has been standardised, with payments now scheduled for the December/January period each year.
Additionally, to assist schools, the OGP, ASERIA (formally 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.
