Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
314. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education whether the free schoolbooks scheme for junior cycle students will cover the cost of purchase of individual iPads/tablets and e-books in schools that utilise that technology; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21514/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 5th of March this year, I announced details of a new ground-breaking scheme that provides free schoolbooks to Junior Cycle students in post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme. Special schools who have students enrolled in Junior Cycle programmes will also receive this funding. More than 213,000 students enrolled in approximately 670 post-primary schools and over 65 special schools, will benefit from the new scheme.
The Department published guidance in early March for post-primary schools around the operation of the Junior Cycle schoolbooks scheme, in continued engagement with relevant stakeholders.
At a minimum the scheme will provide schoolbooks, and core related classroom resources for all students in Junior Cycle in post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme. It eliminates these costs for parents of young people enrolled in these schools. A detailed list of these minimum requirements has been outlined in section 4.2, 4.3 and Appendix 1 of the guidance for schools.
The term ‘schoolbooks’ as outlined in the published guidance includes all relevant textbooks, including ebooks, and workbooks identified by schools as necessary for completion of the curriculum for each subject. It also includes necessary additional texts such as novels and plays for English or books of past Junior Cycle examination papers for all subjects.
The guidance indicates that schools may use the funding for digital media support, which relates to teaching and learning within curricular requirements.
Decisions regarding the use of digital technology, such as ebooks, in schools is a matter for the board of management/ETB of each school. Schools are advised to consult with members of the school community including parents/guardians when planning for the introduction of digital technologies, with cost and other implications being fully considered.
With the exception of post-primary schools that use teacher generated content and resources in place of schoolbooks, funding under the Junior Cycle Schoolbooks Scheme does not extend to including the purchase of digital devices by schools.
