Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
600. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether her Department has assessed the number of students nationally whose parents have been required to purchase laptops or tablets for post-primary education in each of the past five years; whether any estimate exists of the average annual cost imposed on families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39729/26]
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 certificate 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.
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.
The most recent data the department has on hand following a survey issued by the SIU section in relation to the Free School Books Scheme, indicates that 173 post-primary schools sought parent provision of a digital device in the 2024/2025 school year, rising to 227 post-primary schools for 2025/2026, reflecting local, school-level decisions on digital learning approaches.
The Department does not hold data on the number of individual student devices, as decisions of this nature are made at school level. The Department also does not hold data on the cost of these devices.
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.
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. This funding can be used on ICT infrastructure as required in the schools and can provide for loan schemes for devices for students as appropriate.
