Allowing private fee-paying schools to apply for funding 'added new levels of farce' to the controversial initiative, Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon had said
Private schools will have to pay for their own mobile phone pouches following a U-turn by the Government in relation to the controversial €9 million scheme that was announced in last October’s Budget.
The fact that private fee-paying schools were to be allowed to apply for funding under the scheme attracted particular criticism, with Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon claiming it "added new levels of farce to this bizarre initiative". "The funding is intended to support positive wellbeing among all pupils and students, helping them to disconnect, learn and make friends without the distractions that can arise from the use of mobile phones," according to the tender documents.
However, Taoiseach Simon Harris defended the scheme, saying it had been devised following engagement with school principals and consideration of mental health concerns expressed by students themselves.
Mobile Phones Education Simon Harris Mary Lou Mcdonald Department Of Education
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