Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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82. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of DEIS primary and secondary schools respectively, that require students to have an iPad for learning instead of traditional textbooks. [39768/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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It should be noted that under the Education Act, the Boards of Management of Schools have responsibility for the day to day management of schools. This includes decisions regarding the use and deployment of digital technology in schools which are also a matter for the Boards of Management and principal of each school in the context of their digital learning planning. Schools are advised to consult with members of the school community including parents when planning for the introduction of digital technologies including devices with cost and other implications being fully considered by the Boards of Management before a decision is made.

Schools, in conjunction with parents, are responsible for decisions on the use of digital technology, including tablet devices, laptops, and learning platforms, and how best to manage their integration into classroom practice reflective of their own context and requirements.

I am keenly aware of the challenges faced by educators and parents in relation to costs of digital technology, including tablets, and my Department continues to work to help support schools and families meet these costs. As referenced, in 2017, a circular letter issued to schools with measures to be adopted to reduce the cost of school uniforms and other costs including such ICT devices.

That 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 Circular provides that schools should also consult with parents on their views and suggestions on cost reduction initiatives. Schools should provide parents with a list of all required items and indicate the likely costs of these required items at best value stores. Where an exclusive supply arrangement applies, it should be reviewed regularly and tendered for in accordance with procurement requirements.

The Education Plan 2025 commits to reviewing this circular, with a working group including a representative from the National Parents Council will be established in 2025, with consultation with children and young people also to commence thereafter.

Oide-Technology in Education (the area within my department's support service for teachers specialising in digital technology in teaching and learning, formerly PDST-TiE) provides advice and supports to schools on digital technologies in teaching and learning and digital learning planning. Advice sheets are available on digital technology infrastructure for education, including on the adoption of laptops and tablets in schools.

I recently announced €35 million in funding under the Digital Strategy ICT Infrastructure Grant Scheme to support digital learning in schools. which has now issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools. Through the ICT Grant, and the Minor Works grant schemes, schools are directly funded for their ICT infrastructure, with schools having the autonomy to determine which infrastructure to implement, including software and devices such as tablet devices, in accordance with their digital learning plans. This can include the provision of loan schemes for devices as needed.

The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 and its associated implementation plan is underpinned by funding of €200m over the course of the strategy, committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP). The funding allocation model is provided for in the National Development Plan and commits to funding to issue over the period of the NDP, applied by the Department for the Digital Strategy duration (to 2027 for the current strategy). Including the funding recently issued, to date, a total of €135 million of the €200 million committed to in the NDP for the strategy has issued to schools through the ICT grant. While the NDP commitment did not guarantee a specific amount in each year however, it is anticipated that issuing €35m in 2025, will enable the balance of €65 million remaining to issue to schools over the remaining years of the current strategy to 2027. This funding demonstrates the ongoing commitment to support schools to embed the use of digital technologies in teaching learning and assessment.

The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 does not mandate or prescribe the use of particular infrastructure in teaching and learning, and it is concerned with the deeper embedding of digital technologies in education, to develop digital literacy and competency, critical thinking, and enhance collaborative learning. it is not merely about replacing physical textbooks and resources with digital versions accessed via a digital device.

To assist schools, the OGP, HEAnet, as well as my Department, have established frameworks of providers of digital devices including tablets, pcs and laptops, with appropriate specifications, agreed pricing, and levels of service, as well as providing framework management. Schools are encouraged to avail of these frameworks which will enable them to comply with procurement requirements and achieve agreed, transparent, pricing.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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83. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of non-Deis primary and secondary schools respectively, that require students to have an iPad for learning instead of traditional textbooks. [39769/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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It should be noted that under the Education Act, the Boards of Management of Schools have responsibility for the day to day management of schools. Decisions regarding the use and deployment of digital technology in schools is therefore a matter for the Board of Management of each school in the context of their digital learning planning. Schools are advised to consult with members of the school community including parents when planning for the introduction of digital technologies including devices with cost and other implications being fully considered by the Boards of Management before a decision is made.

Schools, in conjunction with parents, are responsible for decisions on the use of digital technology, including tablet devices, laptops, and learning platforms, and how best to manage their integration into classroom practice reflective of their own context and requirements. In that context, my department does not gather such data.

I am keenly aware of the challenges faced by educators and parents in relation to costs of digital technology, including tablets, and my Department continues to work to help support schools and families meet these costs. As referenced, in 2017, a circular letter issued to schools with measures to be adopted to reduce the cost of school uniforms and other costs including such ICT devices.

That 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 Circular provides that schools should also consult with parents on their views and suggestions on cost reduction initiatives. Schools should provide parents with a list of all required items and indicate the likely costs of these required items at best value stores. Where an exclusive supply arrangement applies, it should be reviewed regularly and tendered for in accordance with procurement requirements.

Oide-Technology in Education (the area within my department's support service for teachers specialising in digital technology in teaching and learning, formerly PDST-TiE) provides advice and supports to schools on digital learning. Advice sheets are available on digital technology in education, including on the adoption of laptops and tablets in schools.

As the Deputy is aware, I recently announced €35 million in funding to support digital learning in schools. €35 million in grant funding for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools. Through the ICT Grant, and the Minor Works grant schemes, schools are directly funded for their ICT infrastructure, with schools having the autonomy to determine which infrastructure to implement, including software and devices such as tablet devices, in accordance with their digital learning plans. This can include the provision of loan schemes for devices as needed.

The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 and its associated implementation plan is underpinned by funding of €200m over the course of the strategy, committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP). The funding allocation model is provided for in the National Development Plan and commits to funding to issue over the period of the NDP, applied by the Department for the Digital Strategy duration (to 2027 for the current strategy). Including the funding recently issued, to date, a total of €135 million of the €200 million committed to in the NDP for the strategy has issued to schools through the ICT grant. While the NDP commitment did not guarantee a specific amount in each year however, it is anticipated that issuing €35m in 2025, will enable the balance of €65 million remaining to issue to schools over the remaining years of the current strategy to 2027.

This funding demonstrates the ongoing commitment to support schools to embed the use of digital technologies in teaching learning and assessment, providing funding to support each school in its digital learning planning, fairly and transparently, regardless of the individual approach taken by the school. The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 does not mandate or prescribe the use of iPads or other digital devices, rather it advocates for the deeper embedding of digital technologies in teaching and learning to develop digital literacy and competence, critical thinking and collaborative practice. It is not merely focused on using digital devices as an alternative to physical textbooks or resources.

To further assist schools, the OGP, HEAnet, as well as my Department, have established frameworks of providers of digital devices including tablets, pcs and laptops, with appropriate specifications, agreed pricing, and levels of service, as well as providing framework management. Schools are encouraged to avail of these frameworks which will enable them to comply with procurement requirements and achieve agreed, transparent, pricing.

Back-to-school costs can be a burden for many families. Removing the cost of schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks in primary schools from the start of the 2023/24 school year has been shown to be a huge step in addressing the cost of sending children to school. €47 million is allocated in 2024 to continue implementation of the schoolbooks scheme at primary level. Further funding of over €67 million is allocated to provide free schoolbooks and classroom resources for Junior Cycle students in recognised post-primary schools in the free scheme for the 2024/25 school year. This will benefit approximately 212,000 Junior Cycle students and add to the 563,000 pupils in primary and special schools who benefited from this initiative in the current school year.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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84. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of providing an allowance of €500 toward iPads for students in secondary schools. [39770/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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It should be noted that under the Education Act, the Boards of Management of Schools have responsibility for the day to day management of schools. Decisions regarding the use and deployment of digital technology in schools is therefore a matter for the Board of Management of each school in the context of their digital learning planning. Schools are advised to consult with members of the school community including parents when planning for the introduction of digital technologies including devices with cost and other implications being fully considered by the Boards of Management before a decision is made.

Schools, in conjunction with parents, are responsible for all decisions on the use of digital technology, including tablet devices, laptops, and learning platforms, and how best to manage their integration into classroom practice reflective of their own context and requirements. They are also responsible for the type of digital technology used in their schools.

Oide-Technology in Education (the area within my department's support service for teachers specialising in digital technology in teaching and learning, formerly PDST-TiE) offer advice and supports to schools on digital learning. Advice sheets are available on digital technology in education, including on the adoption of laptops and tablets in schools. Oide- TiE also provide advice sheets on technical and purchasing considerations for schools.

The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 and its associated implementation plan is underpinned by funding of €200m over the course of the strategy, committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP). The funding allocation model is provided for in the National Development Plan and commits to funding to issue over the period of the NDP, applied by the Department for the Digital Strategy duration (to 2027 for the current strategy). Including the funding recently issued, to date, a total of €135 million of the €200 million committed to in the NDP for the strategy has issued to schools through the ICT grant. While the NDP commitment did not guarantee a specific amount in each year however, it is anticipated that issuing €35m in 2025, will enable the balance of €65 million remaining to issue to schools over the remaining years of the current strategy to 2027.

As part of the review of the National Development Plan and through ongoing engagement between officials in the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, my Department aims to provide better clarity and certainty for schools on the timelines for payment of the ICT grant funding.

This funding demonstrates the ongoing commitment to support schools to embed the use of digital technologies in teaching learning and assessment, and to date over the period of the previous Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020 and the current strategy, some €345m has issued to schools in ICT grant funding. The funding issues directly to schools as they are best placed to determine their requirements, and the associated circulars outlines how the funding can be used, including that it can provide for loan schemes for devices for students as appropriate.

The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027, does not mandate or prescribe a policy of one-to-one devices in schools, and all schools are funded fairly and transparently to provide infrastructure in accordance with their digital learning plan, regardless of the particular approach chosen. Where schools choose to implement devices, that approach and costs can vary, however applying an allowance of €500 per student at post-primary level would cost some €213m.

The intention of the strategy is for the deeper embedding and use of digital technologies in teaching and learning, to develop digital competence and literacy among students, fostering critical thinking and collaborative learning. It is not merely concerned with replacing physical texts with online material, for example.

To further assist schools, the OGP, HEAnet, as well as my Department, have established frameworks of providers of digital devices including tablets, pcs and laptops, with appropriate specifications, agreed pricing, and levels of service, as well as providing framework management. Schools are encouraged to avail of these frameworks which will enable them to comply with procurement requirements and achieve agreed, transparent, pricing.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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85. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of providing an iPad to mandatory iPad schools. [39771/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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It should be noted that under the Education Act, the Boards of Management of Schools have responsibility for the day to day management of schools. Decisions regarding the use and deployment of digital technology in schools is therefore a matter for the Board of Management of each school in the context of their digital learning planning. Schools are advised to consult with members of the school community including parents when planning for the introduction of digital technologies including devices with cost and other implications being fully considered by the Boards of Management before a decision is made.

Schools, in conjunction with parents, are responsible for all decisions on the use of digital technology, including tablet devices, laptops, and learning platforms, and how best to manage their integration into classroom practice reflective of their own context and requirements. They are also responsible for the type of digital technology used in their schools.

I am keenly aware of the challenges faced by educators and parents in relation to costs of digital technology, including tablets, and my Department continues to work to help support schools and families meet these costs. As referenced, in 2017, a circular letter issued to schools with measures to be adopted to reduce the cost of school uniforms and other costs including such ICT devices.

That 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 Circular provides that schools should also consult with parents on their views and suggestions on cost reduction initiatives. Schools should provide parents with a list of all required items and indicate the likely costs of these required items at best value stores. Where an exclusive supply arrangement applies, it should be reviewed regularly and tendered for in accordance with procurement requirements.

Oide-Technology in Education (the area within my department's support service for teachers specialising in digital technology in teaching and learning, formerly PDST-TiE) offer advice and supports to schools on digital learning. Advice sheets are available on digital technology in education, including on the adoption of laptops and tablets in schools. Oide- TiE also provide advice sheets on technical and purchasing considerations for schools.

The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 and its associated implementation plan is underpinned by funding of €200m over the course of the strategy, committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP). The funding allocation model is provided for in the National Development Plan and commits to funding to issue over the period of the NDP, applied by the Department for the Digital Strategy duration (to 2027 for the current strategy). Including the funding recently issued, to date, a total of €135 million of the €200 million committed to in the NDP for the strategy has issued to schools through the ICT grant. While the NDP commitment did not guarantee a specific amount in each year however, it is anticipated that issuing €35m in 2025, will enable the balance of €65 million remaining to issue to schools over the remaining years of the current strategy to 2027.

This funding demonstrates the ongoing commitment to support schools to embed the use of digital technologies in teaching learning and assessment.

The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027, does not mandate or prescribe a policy of one-to-one devices in schools.

The intention of the strategy is for the deeper embedding and use of digital technologies in teaching and learning, to develop digital competence and literacy among students, fostering critical thinking and collaborative learning. It is not merely concerned with replacing physical texts with online material, for example.

To further assist schools, the OGP, HEAnet, as well as my Department, have established frameworks of providers of digital devices including tablets, pcs and laptops, with appropriate specifications, agreed pricing, and levels of service, as well as providing framework management. Schools are encouraged to avail of these frameworks which will enable them to comply with procurement requirements and achieve agreed, transparent, pricing.