Written answer
Departmental Data
Schools choose devices independently; the Department mandates none, directs parental consultation, and points to OGP, ASIERA and procurement guidance.
557. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 526 of 28 April 2026, to provide a list of the frameworks of providers of digital devices recommended to schools. [65042/26]
Comment on this
As the Deputy is aware, 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.
I have recently 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 Office of Government Procurement (OGP) a full list of available frameworks across a range of devices including laptops, Desktops tablets and remanufactured laptops, can be found on the OGP buyerzone website at OGP: https://buyerzone.gov.ie/contracts/.
In addition, ASIERA brokerage offer a range of frameworks for the education sector across a range of devices which can be access at: www.heanet.ie/brokerage-products-suppliers.
Finally, to further assist school through the Department funded Schools Procurement Unit (SPU), which offers advice and guidance on all procurement aspects. In addition, provides advice and guidance on traversing the relevant procurement requirements and frameworks from service providers such as the OGP/ASIERA etc. to source the best value for money while delivering on the schools need and requirement.