School Costs
Dail Éireann — 2026-09-17
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Charlie McConalogue (FF), Donegal

I thank Deputy O'Hara for raising this matter. I am answering on behalf of the Minister for Education and Youth, Deputy Hildegarde Naughton. At the outset, I will state that there is no requirement for any student to have a personal device in school. On 25 May this year, the Minister for Education and Youth communicated directly with all schools and boards of management to set out the Department's position that there is no requirement for a personal device for junior cycle or the leaving certificate. The Minister requested schools to be cognisant of the view of all parents in relation to the use of digital devices and the associated costs and set out the need for schools to engage with all parents, and not just the parents' association, before deciding on an approach regarding devices.
As the Deputy will no doubt be aware, under the Education Act, the boards of management of schools have responsibility for the day-to-day management of those 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 its digital learning planning. Schools, in consultation with all parents, are responsible for 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. As mentioned, schools have been 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.
Government is keenly aware of the challenges faced by educators and parents in relation to the cost of digital technology, including tablets. The Department continues to work to help support schools and families meet these costs as part of an overall ongoing commitment to reduce financial pressure on families and to ensure students are supported to succeed. To support ICT in schools, €200 million was allocated under the digital strategy for schools, with the most recent tranche of €35 million issuing in January of this year. 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. It is concerned with the deeper embedding of digital technologies in education to develop digital literacy and competency and critical thinking and to enhance collaborative learning. It is not merely about replacing physical textbooks and resources with digital versions accessed via a digital device.
The Department commissioned OECD research on the impact of digital technologies on student learning and this was published in September last year. This research highlights that access to digital devices alone does not guarantee improved learning outcomes and that their successful use depends on thoughtful pedagogical alignment and teacher and student digital competencies.
The Minister will continue to engage with education stakeholders on this matter but it is worth nothing that the ultimate decision on the deployment of technology in schools remains with the school and its board of management. Each school is best placed to determine how best technology can support teaching and learning in its own context.

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Retrieved: 2026-09-28T05:50:48+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-09-17