Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

524. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the funding available to primary schools to replace books with tablets; if there is provision under the book rental scheme for funding towards the capital outlay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36941/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The decision to use tablet devices is a matter for the Board of Management of a school. Where the introduction of new technology is planned, it is advisable that there should be consultation with members of the school community including parents. The cost and other implications must be fully considered by the Boards of Management before a decision is made.

An advice sheet on the adoption of tablets in schools is available on the PDST-Technology in Education (PDST - TIE) website. The PDST-TIE promotes and supports the integration of ICT into teaching and learning for schools. This advice sheet covers areas such as what tablets can offer a school, educational considerations, purchasing considerations and software.

A new digital strategy for teaching and learning in schools is under development at present and the use of new technologies will be considered again in this context.

Schools may choose to allocate the existing book rental grant provided by the Department towards the purchase of electronic books if they wish.