ISSU Statement: Students ‘flabbergasted’ over €9 million phone pouches

The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU) is shocked at the allocation of €9 million for mobile phone pouches in Budget 2025.

Speaking today, ISSU Uachtarán (President) Jack McGinn said:

“I am flabbergasted over the allocation of €9 million euro for glorified ‘zip-lock’ bags for mobile phones. To put this figure into context, Capitation Funding for schools that covers heating and lighting costs is merely €10 million. This will directly affect families as schools will be forced to rely on Voluntary Contribution Fees to cover the funding shortfall that was not addressed in this budget. Voluntary Contribution Fees can amount to hundreds of euros, adding an additional financial pressure on families as the winter weather sets in.”

Mr. McGinn welcomed the delivery of free school books to Senior Cycle students, but highlighted the spending of €9 million on phone pouches created the sense that the Department of Education was out of touch with the needs of schools on the ground.

“I am calling on the Department to own this mistake, and urgently re-allocate the funds to much needed areas such as school buildings, additional SNA and teaching posts, the DEIS Plus scheme and Capitation Funding for schools. The idea that phone pouches is a top concern, amid a teacher retention and recruitment crisis, sends the wrong message to those on the ground in schools.”

Mr. McGinn highlighted that most schools already have successful mobile phone policies in operation, with students usually placing their phones in their school locker or bag throughout the day.