Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton has called on school principals and Boards of Management across the country to take steps to reduce the financial strain being placed on families as the cost of education continues to rise.
Her comments come after concerns emerged that some schools have either introduced or are considering policies that require students to purchase digital devices such as laptops or tablets for classroom use. In certain cases, schools have reportedly arranged purchasing schemes with outside providers, leaving parents facing significant costs ahead of the new school year.
The Minister stressed that there is currently no national requirement for students to use digital technology in schools and warned against placing unnecessary pressure on families. She also pointed to research commissioned by the Department of Education which found that technology on its own does not automatically improve student performance or educational outcomes.
Speaking on the issue, Ms Naughton acknowledged that individual schools have the authority to make decisions regarding the use of digital devices in the classroom. However, she expressed concern about the growing trend of mandatory technology policies.
“I appreciate that decisions on the use of digital devices rest with the Board of Management of each school,” she said.
“I am conscious, however, that a growing number of schools have introduced, or are considering introducing, arrangements that involve a requirement that students use digital devices, in some cases through school-facilitated purchasing arrangements with third-party providers.”
The Minister also raised concerns over reports that some parents had been encouraged to use credit cards, payment plans, or small loans in order to cover the cost of purchasing devices for their children. She warned that such arrangements could place additional pressure on households already struggling with the rising cost of living.
In a written statement, Ms Naughton said: “Such arrangements place a significant financial burden on families, some of whom cannot afford to meet the cost of purchasing devices.”
She urged schools to engage directly with parents before introducing any new digital requirements and to carefully consider the financial circumstances of families within their school communities. The Minister emphasised the importance of ensuring that no student is disadvantaged or excluded because of their family’s financial situation.
The issue has sparked wider discussion around the increasing cost of education in Ireland, with many parents already facing expenses related to uniforms, books, transport, and voluntary contributions. Education advocates have argued that while technology can support learning, access to education should remain affordable and inclusive for all students.
