Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
578. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth if guidance has been issued to schools regarding procurement models for digital devices, including rental schemes, leasing arrangements, or shared-use models; if schools are permitted to recommend specific suppliers or devices; and the safeguards in place to ensure value for money and avoid undue financial pressure on families. [39518/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have this week communicated directly with all schools and boards of management, clarifying the departments 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, the need for schools to engage with all parents - 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.
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 all 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 requirements. They are also responsible for the type of digital technology used in their schools.
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.
Oide-Technology in Education (the area within my department's support service for teachers specialising in digital technology in teaching and learning), offer advice and supports to schools on digital learning. Advice sheets are available on digital technology in education, including on the adoption of laptops and tablets in schools. Oide- TiE also provide advice sheets on technical and purchasing considerations for schools.
The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 and its associated implementation plan is underpinned by funding of €200m over the course of the strategy, committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP). The funding allocation model is provided for in the National Development Plan and commits to funding to issue over the period of the NDP, applied by the Department for the Digital Strategy duration (to 2027 for the current strategy). Including the funding recently issued, to date, a total of €170 million of the €200 million committed to in the NDP for the strategy has issued to schools through the ICT grant.
This funding demonstrates the ongoing commitment to support schools to embed the use of digital technologies in teaching, learning and assessment. The funding issues directly to schools as they are best placed to determine their requirements, and the associated circulars outlines how the funding can be used, including that it can provide for loan schemes for devices for students as appropriate.
It should also be noted that the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027, does not mandate or prescribe a policy of one-to-one devices in schools, and all schools are funded fairly and transparently to provide infrastructure in accordance with their digital learning plan, regardless of the particular approach chosen. The intention of the strategy is for the deeper embedding and use of digital technologies in teaching and learning, to develop digital competence and literacy among students, fostering critical thinking and collaborative learning. It is not merely concerned with replacing physical texts with online material, for example.
To assist schools, the OGP, Asiera, as well as my Department, have established 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.
The Schools Procurement Unit (SPU) established by my Department is the central support resource for providing guidance to all primary and post-primary schools (except ETB schools) on any procurement-related issue. The SPU delivers free advice and practical support to schools to help them achieve improvements in their procurement processes, practices and outcomes.
