Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2014
30. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the discussions on digital participation and inclusion at the British Irish Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46815/14]
View answerThe Taoiseach and the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources attended the British Irish Council Summit (BIC) in the Isle of Man on 28 November last where digital inclusion was a main item on the agenda.
Digital inclusion is central to the Government’s National Digital Strategy. The strategy aims to position Ireland to take advantage of the opportunities of digital by getting more businesses trading online, more citizens online, and enhancing the use of ICT in the school environment. Ireland’s Digital Champion, David Puttnam, is also working with key stakeholders to communicate more widely the advantages of being online.
The BIC Summit discussed the importance of digital participation, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to share in the benefits of the internet and the potential of digital to contribute towards wider government policies, for example addressing social isolation. With 1 adult in 5 not online, it is important to communicate the advantages of being online, including better connectedness, access to consumer friendly public services, education, information and entertainment as well as opportunities to save money.
The discussions were complemented with audio visual material produced by the BIC with significant input from the Department. This material shows much commonality in approaches across the BIC administrations. The material can be accessed at the Department’s website at www.dcenr.gov.ie/nds .
At the BIC Summit, the Minister outlined the range of initiatives under the Government's National Digital Strategy. For instance, under the Department’s BenefIT Programme, a partnership with the community and voluntary sector, training in digital literacy skills is being provided at over 600 locations across Ireland. Over 111,000 citizens, 20% of whom are unemployed, have been trained since the programme began.
The Minister also outlined progress being made under the Government’s National Broadband Plan, which aims to bring at least 30mbps connectivity to every home and business in the country. The latest phase of the National Broadband Plan was implemented recently with the publication of an online map, which allows the public to identify their own home or business to see whether high-speed broadband will be provided by a commercial operator or through State intervention. This map can be accessed at www.broadband.gov.ie. This complex and ambitious project aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in Ireland.
