Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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41. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there are plans for the wide-spread introduction e-books in schools nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32282/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Encouraging the deployment of high-quality curriculum-relevant digital resources is a clear priority for the ICT in Schools programme. In this context, I am fully aware of developments in the digital textbook publishing industry and I believe that the digital format can complement other formats and modes of learning to greatly enhance teaching and learning. It is important for schools, in conjunction with parents, to retain local autonomy in deciding whether to recommend their pupils purchase e-books and how best to manage their integration into classroom practice over the medium and long terms. In making this decision, each school should consider all the available information and in this regard the Professional Development Service for Teachers, which now incorporates the ICT in Schools function, is available to advise schools. A detailed advice sheet on the adoption of e-books will be available from my Department shortly.