Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education and Youth, Darren O’Rourke TD, has criticised the Minister for Education’s head in the sand approach when it comes to the issue of digital devices in schools claiming the benefit of free schoolbook scheme is eroded due to the fact that the cost of these iPads are costing parents as much as €750.
The Meath East TD said: “The Minister for Education and Youth today announced this year’s funding for the free schoolbooks scheme, but she continues to ignore the growing problem of schools forcing parents to purchase extremely expensive digital devices for students. “These iPads and tablets are costing up to €750 per child and parents are rightly furious about it.
Meanwhile her party colleague Senator Linda Murray Nelson has welcomed the recent announcement by Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton. More than 44,000 children and young people across primary and secondary schools are benefitting from the free school books scheme in Meath. She said, “This is excellent news for families right across Meath. There are over 44,000 young people benefiting here, which is making a tangible difference for families. Fine Gael in Government is committed to reducing the cost for families, and tackling the cost of education is central to that.”
Senator Linda Murray Nelson welcomed the benefits of the book scheme.
However, with cost of living prices on the rise again, Darren O’Rourke TD outlines the messages he is getting from parents : “Every week I’m getting calls from parents who are beside themselves as they simply don’t have the money to buy them. The Minister blames the schools and says it’s their decision, while the schools blame the Minister and say it’s central government policy.
”Meanwhile parents are stuck in the middle and landed with a massive bill with no way to pay it. Some schools are forcing parents to buy devices that cost up to €750, an astronomical figure during this cost-of-living crisis. And if a family has more than one child, this is then multiplied. He does comment on benefit of the free school books scheme ”an admirable scheme that was supposed to move us closer to a truly free education system. Instead, parents are getting hit with higher bills than ever before for school materials.
DIGITAL LEARNING IN YOUNG
The education system in countries around Europe are now reappraising the use of digital tools in younger children with declining literacy scores. In Sweden they are witnessing decline in comprehension, handwriting and concentration. The country is planning to eliminate screen use for children under six by 2028 recommending traditional teaching methods. Other countries in Europe are also moving in this direction to re-evaluate their digital strategies.
The Sinn Féin spokesperson referred to these developments too adding: “In addition to the cost element, we are seeing evidence from across Europe that this rush towards digital-first learning is being rolled back because of clear educational downsides. Some countries have found that over-reliance on screens harms concentration, reduces handwriting and basic literacy skills, and may not deliver better learning outcomes. If they are moving back to books and copybooks, we should also ask why.”
“I’m calling on Minister Hildegarde Naughton, to pause the current plans in this area and commission an independent review of the impact of digital learning on literacy, retention and equity, before issuing clear guidance to schools and parents.
