Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
602. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether any complaints mechanism exists within her Department for parents who believe their child has been disadvantaged, excluded, or pressured due to inability to afford a compulsory laptop or digital device scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39731/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to ensuring that all students have equitable access to education. 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.
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. Schools are also 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.
Parents should raise their concern/complaints in the first instance, directly with the school, through the school’s complaints procedure. Each school should have a formal complaints process for addressing parental concerns.
Additionally, parents can raise their complaint with the Ombudsman for Children. The Office of the Ombudsman for Children may independently investigate complaints about schools recognised by the Department of Education, provided the parent has firstly and fully followed the school's complaints procedures.
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, including the requirement for devices.
