In July this year, I published the report Investing Effectively in Information and Communications Technology in Schools 2008-2013, prepared by the Strategy Group appointed to advise on priorities for investment in ICT in Schools having regard to the critical success factors for successful integration of ICT into learning and teaching. It was published along with the ICT in Schools report on the evaluation of the impact of ICT on teaching and learning carried out by my Departments Inspectorate.

The report highlights the need for an integrated approach across a range of areas covering teacher professional development, digital content, broadband, technical support and ICT infrastructure in order to further the integration of ICT into teaching and learning in our schools.

The Government's commitment to pursuing the integration of ICT in teaching and learning is set out in the Programme for Government. The National Development Plan envisages investment of some €252m in this area over the period of the Plan. While we face significant challenges in implementing some of the recommendations having regard to the current economic situation, I am committed to investing in this area as resources permit. Specific actions being taken include the planned publication by the National Centre for Technology in Education of a handbook for principals and ICT co-ordinating teachers Planning and Implementing e-Learning in your School. A professional development course for ICT coordinating teachers on the development of e-Learning Plans will also be available along with nationwide seminars on e-Learning for principals and ICT coordinating teachers to be run in the Autumn.

The report of the Strategy Group was distributed to school principals and board chairpersons in September; copies were also delivered to management organisations, libraries and other bodies. The report is also available on my department's website. The outlay in relation to production/printing of the report (including Irish translation) and accompanying CDs has been €50,137.30. In the interests of cost effectiveness, the report was delivered in conjunction with a number of Inspectorate reports. The boxing, packing, storage and distribution outlay relating to the consolidated distribution operation has amounted to €66,163.10.