TDs call on Government to help parents with cost of digital devices needed for school

Common devices included Chromebooks, iPads, Windows laptops, and hybrid touchscreen devices, with some packages approaching or exceeding €700 in some cases as some bundles included more than 'hardware alone'.

Wed, 15 Jul, 2026 - 17:00

Jess Casey

The Government has been called on to stop the cost of essential digital devices needed for school being passed onto families.

The Dáil heard on Wednesday that parents are "sitting at kitchen tables trying to work out how they are going to pay for another school year".

Labour's education spokesperson Eoghan Kenny said the excitement of returning to school has been replaced by financial anxiety for far too many families.

“Technology is now an essential part of education, but access to technology cannot depend on whether a family can find another €430 before the school term begins," Mr Kenny said.

"Research shows that almost three in 10 secondary schools now require students to purchase digital devices, including almost one in five DEIS schools. At the same time, St Vincent de Paul has received almost 3,000 requests for help with educational devices."

It comes as the first major review of the digital device programmes in place in school by ESRI researchers found compulsory one-to-one device purchase and use has become “increasingly embedded” within Irish post-primary schooling.

Common devices included Chromebooks, iPads, Windows laptops, and hybrid touchscreen devices, with some packages approaching or exceeding €700 in some cases as some bundles included more than “hardware alone”.

In response, minister for education Hildegarde Naughton said she recognises the concerns felt by many families ahead of the new school year which can "bring real and often significant financial pressure".

"While digital technology can greatly enhance teaching and learning, I believe that no family should be placed under financial strain because of an expectation that they purchase a device."