Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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136. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on funding (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31175/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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In August 2024, the then Minister for Education wrote to all primary and post-primary schools advising of a ban on the use of mobile phones during the school day, noting that schools are best placed to determine the specific approach and policy required to achieve a school day that is free from mobile phone use by students and asking that schools consult with their students and parents in developing the approach that is best suited to their own circumstances.

The restriction on the use of mobile phones during the school day is intended to address growing concerns including the potential for distraction during class time, the risk of accessing inappropriate content and cyberbullying, and the potential for decreased social interaction with peers.

To support schools to implement their approach, a funding allocation on a per capita basis is being made available on application to those schools that choose to provide an infrastructural solution to implement their policy, such as portable secure lockable pouches or phone storage boxes.

A circular outlining the criteria, application process and terms of this funding is currently being finalised for issue to schools. It is intended that it will issue shortly and funding issue can commence before the end of June to schools applying to enable them to procure their preferred solution and implement this for the 2025-2026 school year. Schools applying over the summer months and September will receive funding from October on. Schools applying thereafter will receive funding in before the end of 2025.

The Department also opted to establish a procurement mechanism for portable secure mobile phone pouches for schools, whereby schools can easily order quality equipment, with value for money through agreed pricing, delivery and warranty. It had been anticipated that this mechanism would be available for schools to order from June on. However, due to issues arising during the process, and following advice from the CSSO the decision was taken to cancel the tender. A new tender process will commence shortly with a view to establishing the mechanism tor schools to access in autumn 2025.

In the meantime, it is open to schools to procure mobile phone storage solutions in advance of this mechanism being available. All purchases must be in compliance with Public Procurement Procedures. Further information and support on procurement is available from the Schools Procurement Unit at www.spu.ie.