99. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review the increasing use of digital devices in secondary schools from an educational outcome's perspective and a cost to parents/guardians perspective given the move away from digital devices in some countries. [74818/26]

In May 2026, Minister Naughton 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 senior cycle. Minister Naughton requested schools to be cognisant of the views of parents in relation to the use of digital devices and the associated costs. The Minister stressed the need for schools to engage with all parents not just the Parent's Association before deciding on an approach regarding devices.

Minister Naughton will continue engagement with schools, education stakeholders on the impact of digital technologies on educational outcomes and student wellbeing.

In 2024, the department commissioned the OECD to carry out a literature review and a peer learning event (PLE) on the Impact of Digital Technologies on Student Learning as part of the OECD’s Resourcing School Education for the Digital Age Project.

The outputs from this research were formally published in September 2025. The papers set out the impact of various digital technology tools on education and present key findings as well as strategies to support effective integration.

The findings from PISA 2025 also provide useful context. Irish students reported spending less time using digital devices in school for learning activities than the OECD average and reported lower levels of digital distraction in classrooms. The study also found that 78% of students in Ireland attended schools where mobile phone use was not permitted on school premises. These findings highlight that schools are adopting a range of approaches to the use of digital technologies and devices in teaching and learning, while balancing educational objectives and student wellbeing.

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.

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

Information Leaflet Guideance for schools on the digital devices and associated costs for students and parents pdf