Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
569. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of an issue (details supplied) impeding teachers using digital resources in the classroom; if her Department has plans to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37941/26]
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.
Schools are 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.
In relation to the specific query raised, issues around age appropriate content/advertisements on the platform, came to light late last year which risked inappropriate age specific material been displayed on the platform. The department took the immediate decision to apply strict content filtering to that platform in order to limit the risk of any such exposure. This has resulted in some difficulties for schools in accessing content on the platform. However, access is available to some of the listed content through alternative platforms or websites such as the Irish Film institute for example with Oide and Oide-tie having a range of educational content also available free of charge.
As the deputy is aware online safety and the safe and ethical use of digital technologies is a key component of the Digital Strategy and for my department. Under the strategy, Webwise, the Irish Internet Safety Awareness Centre, promotes the autonomous, effective and safe use of the internet through a sustained information and awareness strategy targeting school leaders, teachers, parents and children themselves. Webwise develops and disseminates resources that help teachers integrate digital citizenship and online safety into teaching and learning in their schools.
Webwise provides free information, advice and resources for schools, families and young people on online safety and digital citizenship. Webwiseis funded by the Department of Education and Youth and co-funded through the European Commission and is part of the Irish Safer Internet Centre. The Irish Safer Internet Centre is a partnership of four leading organisationsWebwise,Hotline.ie,ISPCCandNational Parents Council- with a mission to make the internet a better place for children and young people under the coordination of the Department of Justice.
