Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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254. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills whether her Department is aware that some secondary schools are requesting that parents purchase laptops or digital devices for senior cycle students at significant cost; the supports available for families who cannot afford these expenses; how this aligns with the objectives of the free schoolbooks scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23183/26]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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As Minister for Education and Youth, I want to ensure that all children and young people have the opportunity of access to education that empowers them to thrive and realise their full potential.

Last year saw the introduction of the final phase of the free schoolbooks scheme, with the extension of the scheme to Senior Cycle students in post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme. From the start of the current school year, for the first time, all children and young people enrolled in primary, special and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme were provided with schoolbooks and core classroom resources. Parents and guardians were not asked to purchase or to make a financial contribution to the school towards the cost of these items.

My department has published guidance for post-primary schools around the operation of the Post-primary Schoolbooks Scheme, in continued engagement with all stakeholders. Further information on the free schoolbooks scheme is available at www.gov.ie/schoolbookschemes.

With a total funding package of over €170 million available in 2025, the Schoolbooks Scheme continues to benefit almost one million children and young people and is helping to ease the financial burden facing families at back-to-school time.

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.

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.

Under this current strategy a total of €170m 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 January 2026. 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.