A Dublin secondary school is to spearhead a pilot programme which would make bulky schoolbags ? which can weigh over two stone ? a thing of the past.

Mount Temple Comprehensive on the Clontarf Road is due to receive a shipment of USB keys which will contain pupils' textbooks and copies. The pupils will be able to read their books and complete exercises on classroom computers, and submit homework via email or printed copy.

The co-educational second-level school is the first to test the scheme. If it proves successful, there are hopes the initiative will be imitated across the country. A spokesman for the school was unavailable for comment.

Peter Mullan of the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) said it was now up to the government to ensure there was adequate infrastructure in schools to enable the scheme to spread countrywide.

"This is a very welcome and excellent idea which could finally put paid to massive bulky schoolbags which have been proven to be detrimental to students' physical health," he said. "If the government were to invest in the idea properly then it would be an obvious permanent solution to the problem."

Mullins said there a large number of schools still did not have an adequate supply of computers and in some cases broadband.

"There is still a digital divide and it is unfair that those particular schools might not be able to take part in this, should the idea grow," he said.

"It is very important that the government invest in this, and in this idea, because it is the future of schooling.

"A lot has been done in terms of lightening the load of today's students, but this is the perfect time to sort out the technological issues, the broadband problems, and the schoolbag problem all in one."

The Chiropractors Association of Ireland last month called on education minister Mary Coughlan to address what it said was the "unnecessary damage" being caused to children's backs because of hefty schoolbags.

"If measures are not taken soon, the situation will reach a critical point," said a spokeswoman.

The Department of Education regularly sends circulars to primary and secondary schools advising them to be aware of the health hazards of heavy schoolbags.