Dáil debates

Thursday, 17 July 2025

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions

Information and Communications Technology

5:15 am

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)

I will give an example. For a 100-pupil primary school, €4,533 is allocated. For a 500-pupil school, the amount is €14,665. For a post-primary, there is a basic grant of €2,000 plus €30.40 per mainstream student. It is not the intention that schools will be buying iPads every year or that every student will need to use them at every stage of the school day. It is to make sure the school has enough technology in order that every child has access to them at different stages. The €325 million that is being provided will continue to be added on. We will get to the point where schools have the technology they need, including whiteboards and TVs, after which it is funding for replacements that is being provided. I want to ensure that schools have clarity on when they will get the grant. A sum of €35 million was announced this year. For next year, I want schools to know when they will be getting it. They need to know they will get it at the same time the following year in order that they can plan ahead. This is about providing resources so that schools will have them. They do not need to be replaced or bought new every year. That is what we are working towards.

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