Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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281. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide details of the number of schools that provide a choice for pupils between books and tablets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16660/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The decision to use tablet devices is a matter for the Board of Management of each school. Where the introduction of new technology is planned, 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. It is a matter for each individual school to determine which particular measures are most suited to its individual circumstances and to how the school concerned organises teaching and learning. The Department does not gather information on the uptake of tablet devices in schools.

An advice sheet on the adoption of tablets in schools is available on the PDST-Technology in Education (PDST-TIE) website, detailing what tablets can offer a school, educational considerations, purchasing considerations and software.

As part of the new Digital Strategy for Schools my Department will provide advice on ICT equipment and digital learning tools that are best suited to support learning and teaching in schools. €210 m will be allocated over the period of the Strategy, with the first tranche of €30 m already distributed to schools in respect of the 2016-2017 school year. Work on the implementation of the Strategy is now underway.