Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

177. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans for expanding digital learning infrastructure in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66477/25]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The world is undergoing a digital and an AI revolution and it is essential that we equip students with the skills and competencies they need to succeed and thrive in a rapidly changing world. A key part of our plan is to support schools through investment in digital technologies, in training and teacher professional development and in curriculum reform.

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.

The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 and its associated Implementation Plan are underpinned by €200 million in ICT Infrastructure grant funding over the lifetime of the Strategy, as committed under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP).

In total €345m has been invested in schools across the country since the implementation of the first Digital Strategy for Schools commenced in 2015 to date. In June 2025, €35m issued directly to schools through the grant scheme for ICT infrastructure.

In addition to capital investment, my department will continue to support initiatives that advance digital learning in schools. We will continue to advance digital education policy and embed technology in teaching and learning. We invest €15 million annually in the Schools Broadband Programme, providing high-speed connectivity to all recognised schools. Through Webwise, funded by my Department under the EU Internet Safety Initiative, we are promoting online safety, digital citizenship and media literacy among school leaders, teachers, parents and students.

Working with Oide Technology in Education, we will continue to support teachers with professional learning, training and resources that build digital confidence and innovation.

This investment is in addition to other important curricular reform which is underway. This includes the introduction of computer science as a leaving certificate subject, the introduction of coding as a short junior cycle programme and the implementation of computational thinking as part of the new primary school curriculum.