Vol. 396 No. 3
20 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications if his attention has been drawn to the tele-cottage model in providing information technology employment opportunities in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on its applicability in preventing rural depopulation in Ireland.
I am aware of the concept of tele-cottage and of the various other developments taking place in expanding access to information technology in rural areas.
Under the EC STAR Programme, the telecommunications network needed to support such developments, has been put in place in this country. A number of research projects are also in progress to assess the demand for advanced telecommunications services in rural areas. A total of 16 information technology service centres have been established to promote the demand for such services.
It is too early to say what the results of these projects will be, but they may develop along the lines of the tele-cottage model, and may lead to increased employment opportunities.
