The pouches would be used to assist schools in remaining phone free.
The Sinn Fein leader has written to the Taoiseach demanding an immediate withdrawal of the €9 million proposed spend on pouches for phones in schools.
Mary Lou McDonald says it's "a scandalous waste of public money at a time when so many schools are struggling to keep the lights on".
In the Dáil, the Finance Minister Jack Chambers defended the plan as being good for children's mental health.
Sinn Fein Longford Westmeath TD, Sorca Clarke, says we need to invest in our education system - not on vanity projects:
Minister Chambers says the initiative is something parents want:
Man Hospitalised With Serious Injuries Following Offaly Crash
Biodiversity Children's Book Launches In Midlands
Over €3.8m In IT And Minor Works Grants Going To Midlands Schools
Midlands Property Prices Continuing To Rise
Mercosur Vote Down To The Wire - Midlands MEP
Offaly Community Sports Facility To Remain Closed Over Christmas
Westmeath Security Expert Welcomes Gardai Training For EU Presidency
Lower Childcare Fee Caps Could Lead To Closures - FECP
Gardai Investigating Potentially Suspicious Approach Of Child In Laois
Midlands Animal Rescue Shelter Unequivocally Against Fox Hunting
Judge Disappointed And Surprised By AG Ruling On Burke Contempt Of Court Referral
Five Maternity Reviews At Portiuncula Hospital Ongoing
Gardaí Confirm Discovery Of Man's Body At Midlands Premises
Laois Senator Warns Blister Pack Funding Cut Will Lead To Dangerous Confusion
Call To Fast-Track Living City Initiative For Westmeath Town
Midlands Community Sports Facility Closing With Immediate Effect
Man Arrested In Connection With Fatal Offaly Fire Released Without Charge
Westmeath Waste Facility Remains Temporarily Closed
Laois Man To Be Laid To Rest Friday
Laois Community Safety Partnership To Start January