Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
575. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth her position on the increasing practice in post-primary schools of requiring students to purchase a personal laptop as part of their education; if such a requirement is mandated, recommended, or optional under Department policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39515/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have this week communicated directly with all schools and boards of management, clarifying the department's position that there is no requirement for a personal device for junior or leaving cert and I requested schools to be cognisant of the views of parents in relation to the use of digital devices and the associated costs. Also, I stressed the need for schools to engage with all parents - and not just the Parents Association - before deciding on an approach regarding devices.
However, the decision on the deployment of technology in schools remains the decision of the schools and school management. I will continue to engage with educational stakeholders on this matter.
The provision and use of digital devices in post-primary schools is a matter for the board of management, having regard to their unique circumstances, educational programmes and the needs of their students. Schools are best placed to determine how technology can support teaching and learning in their settings, including decisions relating to device usage.
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.
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 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.
The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027, the departments strategy on ICT in schools, does not mandate or prescribe the use of any particular devices or technologies in teaching and learning, it 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 implemented, 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.
Should concerns arise in individual cases relating to the affordability of such devices for parent(s)/guardian(s), they are advised to raise these with the school in the first instance, or with the school’s Board of Management where necessary. Where a school decides to implement a one-to-one device policy, schools are recommended to put in place a device loan scheme (i.e., a scheme to loan devices to students for use, where needed).
