Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)

Decisions regarding the use and deployment of digital technology in schools is a matter for the board of management of each school in the context of their digital learning planning. It is very much open to the schools to decide how they adopt and change. Schools are advised to consult with members of the school community, including parents, when planning any introduction of digital technologies. It is important that a school, if it is deciding to move to iPads or certain technologies, that it engages with parents first and make sure that whatever it is doing is affordable.

The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 was published in 2022. It is underpinned by funding of €200 million over the course of the strategy to support its implementation, which was committed to under the national development plan.

The most recent tranche of funding of €35 million issued to all recognised primary, special schools and post-primary schools in May 2025. To date, €135 million of the €200 million has been paid out. This funding is directly to support schools, whether in buying laptops, ICT PCs or any other types of equipment.

The funding issues directly to schools, as they are best placed to determine the needs of their own students and have autonomy to do so. It can be used to fund ICT infrastructure, as required in the schools, but also can provide for loan schemes for devices for students as appropriate.

I recognise that the back to school costs on parents can place real financial pressure on families. We need to make sure that we are providing as much support as possible.

Schools are becoming more digital. They are becoming more technology focused. While there may be a slight contribution from parents, we need to make sure as far as possible that we are providing the funding. Since 2015, €325 million has been provided. Obviously, my objective is to make sure that the remainder of the committed €200 million is provided for in the next two years and that under a new NDP we have further ICT support being provided.

There is an opportunity as well, with the roll-out of the free books scheme, where there is money left over in schools. Where there is a changeover, books are coming back and they do not have to buy new books, schools can also use that fund for digital technologies as well. I accept we are at the early stages and that is not necessarily available to them, but we are trying to provide as many supports as possible.

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