Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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229. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the significant cost burden placed on parents of children in digital schools using tablet computers instead of textbooks; the steps he is taking to support parents financially to help meet such costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30427/18]

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 a school. Where the introduction of digital devices is planned, consultation with members of the school community including parents is advised. The cost and other implications must be fully considered by the Boards of Managements before a decision is made. I believe it is important for schools, in conjunction with parents, to retain local autonomy for decisions on the use of tablet devices and how best to manage their integration into classroom practice.  In making this decision each school should consider all the available information.

The Professional Development Service for Teachers Technology in Education (PDST-TIE) offers advice to schools and have developed an advice sheet, on the adoption of tablets in schools, on its website which covers areas such as what tablets can offer a school, educational and purchasing considerations, and software.

I am keenly aware of the challenges faced by educators and parents, in relation to costs of digital devices including eBooks, and my Department continues to work to help support schools and families meet these costs. In 2017 a circular letter issued to schools with measures to be adopted to reduce the cost of school uniforms and other costs. This circular also instructed schools to consult with parents and their school community on the issue of ensuring costs are reasonable for parents, and how to avoid costs acting as a barrier. This circular specified that wherever possible, generic rather than branded items should be specified (e.g. uniform, clothing, IT tablets, sports equipment etc.). The issue of costs to parents will also be included in the Guidelines that will issue with the Education (Parent and Student Charter) Bill 2018.

Direct assistance is provided through the School Books Grant Scheme for books including eBooks for children in all recognised primary and post-primary schools. All schools are encouraged to operate such a scheme, under which some €7 million in funding to primary schools in 2017.  

In addition, the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020, sets out a plan to embed the use of digital technology in teaching, learning and assessment. The Strategy recognises that schools require investment in their ICT infrastructure.  Funding of €210m has been committed to support the implementation of this strategy with €60m issued to schools over the 2016/17 and 2017/18 school years. This will increase to €50m a year over the lifetime of the strategy.