Government ministers will begin using a "paperless computer system" at the Cabinet table from mid-summer in a move designed to make meetings more efficient.

The e-cabinet system, which will cost at least €3 million, will also force ministers and Government officials to get up to speed with some of the latest technology gizmos, including tablet PCs.

Tablet PCs are the latest technology gadgets that are being marketed at the corporate sector and a small band of technology literate consumers, mostly in the US. The devices do not have a keyboard or wires but rather use handwriting recognition technology and a wireless connection to the internet.

This week the Department of the Taoiseach issued a tender for 50 tablet PCs, which each retail for about €2199, as part of its preparation for the introduction of the new e-cabinet system this year.

A spokesman for the Department of the Taoiseach said the tablets PCs would work on a touch screen basis and enable ministers to pull up electronic memos.

This would reduce the need to use paper-based memos or reports at the cabinet table and enable ministers to view information in a more accessible way, he added.

The system would also enable ministers to keep in touch with the agenda for cabinet meetings as it changed during a week.

Ministers could therefore ensure they were properly briefed on all the issues up for discussion at a meeting.

A recent study showed 1.2 million sheets of A4 sized paper were used for papers presented to cabinet in a single year. This amounts to 6,000 kg of paper every year, according to Government.

It is estimated each minister currently carries on average 4 kg of paper to every cabinet meeting. Under the new system it is likely this would be dramatically reduced, a spokesman said.

The e-cabinet system will be introduced in a phased basis from this summer. It is likely a number of departments will initially trial the computer system. It should be in full operation by next year.