95. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she recognises that the introduction of one-to-one digital policies in schools can put an impossible financial burden on some parents; the measures she is taking to support parents and students who are unable to afford digital devices in one-to-one digital schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40113/25]

Sentiment score: -0.01

I have heard the response repeatedly. There needs to be an acknowledgement by the Minister and within the Department that there are two things happening here. The first is a funding crisis in our schools overall. There is a massive shortfall. There is an expectation, because the Government is saying it will not bring in a cost-of-living package, that next year will be worse than this year. The second is a shift towards digital technology. It is not small money. In some cases, it is €800 over two years. There are parents who simply cannot afford that. The suggestion that the funding the Minister provides, which is wholly inadequate to cover the running costs of schools, can be used to provide a loan scheme for parents is simply detached from reality. We need a bespoke response for these parents. The Minister has seen the Irish League of Credit Unions report yesterday on the high cost of going back to school. In fact, the cost is increasing. Notwithstanding the positive moves on back to school, there needs to be a bespoke response for the small number of parents who are completely exposed to these costs.

Sentiment score: -0.05

The Minister and I share a constituency. She must be aware of what is happening and she must have been contacted. Earlier, she referenced a school that is moving to digital. I have been contacted by parents with children in that school and by parents across the State who have been part of a consultation but whose opinion is not reflected in the policy of the school. They simply cannot afford new digital devices and they are really exposed. Notwithstanding that they have been pointed towards the credit unions or other financial supports, they cannot afford this additional cost. It is not true to say that the school should provide a loan for them or that the funding the Minister is providing will provide a solution. It is not providing a solution for these parents. There needs to be a recognition of that and dedicated support for them.

Sentiment score: 0.13