Debit Card for 12 year old

Not sure of the answer when it comes to BOI, but I was in similar situation at the start of this school year and went the Revolut route.

It's ideal. You can see their spending and control/ transfer funds to it easily from your main account.

You'll need to be one to set up a Revolut <18 account for him.

Both AIB and BOI have 2nd level student accounts with a debit card available for the account too. Most, if not all, Irish retail banks should have an account type specifically for 2nd level students.

It will probably be easiest to open his account in the same bank as you use yourself as they will already have verified your identity as a customer.

You will probably need some form of ID for him when opening his account.

According to their website

"If you’re aged under 14 you’ll get …

Your very own 2nd Level current account with your debit card BUT you’ll need your parent/legal guardian’s consent to apply for the account and you’ll need to complete the application for the account in your local branch"

so it seems once you complete the application in branch, he should have a current account with a debit card.

Up to a certain age some banks don't issue contactless payment cards, a PIN is needed for every transaction. I'm not sure if this applies to BOI.