"We want a uniform approach where there will be no access to mobile phones throughout the school day," Ms Foley said. "So we have provided €9m for that, for the purchase of things like pouches or whatever types of solutions that might be identified by the school, and schools will verify what those solutions might be."
"It's a very positive, proactive step to encourage young people to take a mental break from the mobile phones while they're at school, to acknowledge that they're learning, as all of the research tells us that their learning improves when they're not constantly on the mobile phones."
Opposition TDs have been critical of the funding, with Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon calling it 'a scandalous waste of money.' He criticized the government's priorities, stating that funding should be directed towards essential school needs rather than on phone storage solutions.
Michael Collins, the leader of Independent Ireland, told the Dáil the €9m was a waste comparable to that of the Office of Public Works in recent revelations, suggesting the government lacks accountability in its funding allocations.
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