Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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265. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills regarding the devices purchasing framework for schools contract with a company (details supplied), if devices are being used to replace free schoolbooks in schools; the cost to parents for devices under the contract; and the way in which this meets the commitment of lowering the cost of school resources for parents. [50985/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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It is the responsibility of each individual school to select the digital resources, if any, that it will use to support its implementation of the curriculum. The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 does not mandate or prescribe the use of any particular devices or technologies 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.

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.

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. A number of measures are in place to support educators and parents, as part of my department’s ongoing commitment to reduce financial pressure on families and ensure every student is supported to succeed. My department's Education Plan 2025 commits to reviewing Circular 32/2017 which sets out the measures to be adopted by schools to reduce the cost of school uniforms and other costs.

A revised circular will put a greater emphasis on reducing costs for parents, with a working group including the National Parents Council to be established, and consultation with children and young people to follow.

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.

The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 was published in 2022 and is underpinned by funding of €200m over the course of the strategy to support its implementation, which was committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP).

Under this current strategy a total of €135m has issued to schools, with the most recent tranche of funding of €35 million issued to all recognised primary, special schools and post-primary schools in May 2025. This funding issued directly to schools, as they are best placed to determine the needs of their own students and have autonomy to do so. This funding can be used on ICT infrastructure as required in the schools, and can provide for loan schemes for devices for students as appropriate.

To further assist schools, the OGP, HEAnet, as well as my Department, have established a number of 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.