Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
371. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Education and Youth to clarify if digital devices such as laptops and tablets are required in order for senior cycle students to complete additional assessment components as part of the Leaving Certificate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47569/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department is committed to ensuring that the enactment of Senior Cycle Redevelopment contributes positively to student experience including through revised assessment arrangements, such as Additional Assessment Components (AACs), that allow all students to demonstrate their strengths and learning. There is no requirement currently under the new subject specifications for students to have their own laptops or devices; or devices of a particular type.
Decisions relating to the use of devices rest with the Boards of Management of schools, who 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 before a decision is made.
As the Deputy may be aware, I have recently written to all post-primary schools regarding the use of digital devices in schools highlighting two key points.
Firstly, the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 does not mandate or prescribe the use of any devices or technologies in teaching and learning. Secondly, 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.
While the SCR programme envisages moving to a scenario where all Leaving Certificate subjects have AACs worth a minimum of 40%, not all AACs will take the form of coursework. AACs and their current equivalents are formal, structured assessment tasks that form part of the state examinations and take a variety of forms including oral and practical tests, as well as coursework. Prior to the introduction of the first tranche of new and revised specifications under the SCR programme, 28 of the 40 Leaving Certificate subjects already had the equivalent of AACs and indeed coursework has been a feature of some subjects since 2006.
My department is committed to an ongoing process of identifying the resources required to realise the vision for a redeveloped Senior Cycle that meets the needs of all our students, including in achieving the subject learning outcomes, as intended. The commitment to resourcing can be evidenced by the Science Implementation Support Grant that issued to all schools to the value of €12 million, along with a once-off ICT grant and guidance note to support the schools offering the new Leaving Certificate subject Drama, Film and Theatre Studies (DFTS). Individual devices are not required to realise the Drama, Film and Theatre Studies learning outcomes. This grant was in addition to the direct provision of technical resources (film, lighting, audio equipment) and free access to online streaming platforms. Schools offering Drama, Film and Theatre Studies, or Climate Action and Sustainable Development (CASD) have also received other supports including a subject department establishment grant for CASD schools, new annual support grants and additional teacher allocations.
The Senior Cycle Redevelopment Implementation Support Measures (SCRISM) document, published in May 2025, contains a package of further measures designed to support the implementation of the Senior Cycle Redevelopment programme in schools. The recently published addendum to the SCRISM provides a range of further additional supports including a senior cycle redevelopment implementation grant which will be paid to all post-primary schools.
I am keenly aware of the challenges faced by educators and parents in relation to the costs of digital technology, including tablets, and my department continues to work to help support schools and families meet these costs.
My officials will continue to engage with all our education partners to ensure the redevelopment of senior cycle responds to the needs of our students to ensure they are prepared for their future lives in education and the workforce.
