1535. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will consider providing funding for school-based digital device loan schemes to eliminate direct costs to families associated with the purchase or rental of digital devices required for education; and the estimated cost of extending such schemes nationally. [63917/26]

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, 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.

In May, I communicated directly with all schools and boards of management, clarifying the department's position that there is no requirement for a personal device for junior or leaving cert and I requested schools to be cognisant of the views of parents in relation to the use of digital devices and the associated costs. Also, I stressed the need for schools to engage with all parents - and not just the Parent's Association - before deciding on an approach regarding devices.

Under the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027, my department directly funds schools for the provision of ICT. 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.

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.

Department guidance states that schools should support equitable access to ICT for all students and may provide school managed devices on loan to students (via device 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. There is no dedicated funding stream for one-to-one student devices, however, schools have flexibility to use their ICT grants to meet local priorities, including infrastructure, maintenance and device provision, within available resources.

Through the digital strategy, schools are directly funded for ICT and have autonomy to determine which infrastructure and devices (including tablets or laptops) are implemented, 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.

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.