Vol. 524 No. 2
132 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Taoiseach the schemes and supports available from his Department or agencies under the aegis of his Department to schools, businesses, community groups and individuals, to promote information technology, including greater awareness of relevance, the development of skills and access to computers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22092/00]
The Information Society Commission which operates under the aegis of my Department continues to focus on the key areas of awareness, access and training in its programme of activities. An information technology training roadshow is currently under way, with the deployment of a mobile computer classroom around the country to provide late adopters with access to basic computer and Internet training. A further initiative to promote greater access to new technology among the general public is the commission's Internet venue directory. This is a register of public Internet access points which can be accessed via the commission's website or by phoning a lo-call number. Plans are also in preparation for a radio series – which will complement the excellent "dot.what?" series co-funded by the commission with RTE – on the importance of new and emerging technology in everyday life. In addition, the commission is working with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and IBEC to provide a series of e-business master classes for SMEs around the country. This will build on the highly successful countrywide e-commerce business awareness campaign organised by the commission in conjunction with IBEC.
