575. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department will consider implementing an updated circular for schools requiring students to use digital devices to ensure that affordability and reusability, particularly between siblings, are accounted for in a universal approach; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34404/26]

The department's strategy on ICT in schools, the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027, does not mandate or prescribe the use of any particular devices or technologies in teaching and learning. The Strategy 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.

Through the digital strategy, schools are directly funded for ICT and have autonomy to determine which infrastructure and devices (including tablets or laptops) are utilised, in line with their Digital Learning Plans. Schools must also have acceptable usage policies in place and may use ICT funding to support new curricula and assessment.

Department guidance states that schools should support equitable access to ICT for all students and may provide devices on loan to students (via loan schemes) where required. Schools are also advised to consult with parents and the wider school community when developing technology policies that may involve costs for families. However, there is no dedicated funding stream for one-to-one student devices. Schools have flexibility to use their ICT grants to meet local priorities, including infrastructure, maintenance and device provision, within available resources.

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. This includes an instruction from my department to 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 - wherever possible, generic rather than branded items should be specified (e.g. uniform, clothing, IT tablets, sports equipment etc.). Schools should also provide a full list of required items, with guidance on best-value options. Circular 32/2017 sets out the measures to be adopted by schools to reduce the cost of school uniforms and other costs.

Under the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027, some €200 million has been committed through the National Development Plan for school ICT, with around €170 million already allocated to schools. The most recent tranche of the ICT Grant €35 million which issued to schools in January 2026. Funding is provided through annual ICT grants based on a flat-rate per school and a per-student amount, and must be used for ICT infrastructure, including networks, classroom technology, software and shared student devices. To provide certainty for schools, the ICT grant payment timeline has been standardised, with payments now scheduled for the December/January period each year.

Additionally, to assist schools, the OGP, ASERIA (formally 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.