Ruairí Quinn
Question:15 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the progress to date in the work of the Information Society Commission. [24324/99]
Written Answers. - Information Society Commission.
The Deputy will be aware that much of the work of the commission is of an ongoing nature, in areas such as raising awareness and promoting the benefits of the information society and in the work of its many advisory groups.
Since its inception the commission has produced two annual reports and has published the results of a number of surveys which it organised. It has hosted a range of seminars on various topics related to the Information Society, and participated in many events and functions to promote the benefits and opportunities arising in the digital age. Its past activities are well documented in its two annual reports so I will confine my reply to recent or current activities.
In July, the commission published a major report entitled Building a Capacity for Change – Lifelong Learning in the Information Society. This report raises a number of issues and sets out many recommendations concerning the phenomenon of lifelong learning, which is increasingly seen as vital in the ever changing world of the information society.
Last month, the commission published the results of its latest survey on the levels of access to and use of technology among the general public. This survey shows that huge progress has been made over the past twelve months. Nonetheless, it also acknowledges that more needs to be done, particularly so that we avoid a two tier information society as between those who have access and those who do not. The results of the commission's corresponding survey amongst the business community will be published next month.
The commission has also recently published a discussion document on the matter of improving access to the internet for the population generally. I explained the purpose and content of this document to the House last week. It is available either on the commission's website or directly from the commission secretariat.
The commission recently participated in an information event aimed specifically at the farming and rural organisations in order to explain the benefits of new technology. A similar event for organisations representing elderly people is planned for 29 November. Other targeted sessions like these are also being arranged.
The business awareness campaign which the commission is running with IBEC is continuing. This programme, which is part funded by the EU, involves a series of seminars around the country, with particular emphasis on SMEs. The last seminar was in Waterford on 21 October, with the next in Ennis today, 24 November 1999.
The House will also be aware that last week saw the running of the Netd@ys initiative, which was organised by the commission in conjunction with the National Centre for Technology in Edu cation, with sponsorship from Eircom. This was a nine day event to provide access to the internet in public places such as schools, libraries and so on.
Last year the commission sponsored a television series called TechTV for RTE. The commission is currently examining options for a new TV series.
The commission's eight advisory groups continue to meet on a regular basis to discuss various aspects of developing the information society, and the work of these groups often gives rise to recommendations which then feed into the implementation process.