Education Minister Norma Foley defended the €9m expenditure on phone-locking pouches for schools, arguing it will enhance teaching, learning, and student wellbeing through better focus.
Despite criticism, Foley stated that the one-time setup cost of the pouches, about €22.50 each, aims to tackle issues of mobile phone distractions in the classroom uniformly.
Foley emphasized that the initiative has support from various international bodies like the UN, validating the plan as research-based to improve socialization and mental health.
Fee-paying schools can apply for funding to purchase the pouches, which will be evaluated individually by the department if schools demonstrate financial need.
Collection
[
|
...
]