Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
603. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether schools receiving ICT grant funding under the Digital Strategy for Schools are required to demonstrate that reasonable measures are in place to support students whose families cannot afford personal digital devices [39732/26]
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 Parent's 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.
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.
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.
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. 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 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.
