€5m IT fund needed to support disadvantaged children with remote learning – SVP

SVP has received 300 requests for financial support with IT equipment to help children with remote learning since Covid-19 forced the closure of schools earlier this year.

A €5 million IT fund is needed to provide laptops and tablets and other equipment to disadvantaged children while schools are closed due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) has said.

Government funding to address the emerging digital divide among children being home-schooled was “insufficient” and risked leaving already disadvantaged children at a greater educational disadvantage, the national charity said.