In 1998 the NCTE invited all state primary and post-primary schools to submit proposals for innovative ICT pilot projects, the outcomes from which would help to determine models of best practice for the use of ICT across the Irish education system. Schools applying for inclusion in SIP were required to have clearly defined project goals, a vision of how their project would develop and a completed ICT school plan.

Schools selected to participate in SIP have been provided with grants for the purchase of hardware and software. They have also received support by way of current budgets and release time for teachers. Additional ongoing support has also been available from the regional ICT advisors and the NCTE.