Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 September 2021
18. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on the publication of the NESC Report No. 154 Digital Inclusion in Ireland: Connectivity, Devices and Skills. [33503/21]
View answerI welcome the recent publication of the NESC report Digital Inclusion in Ireland: Connectivity, Devices & Skills which recognises the opportunities of the increasing digitalisation of economic, social and cultural systems. The report also highlights that a number of sectors of society are assessed to be poorly engaged with digital technologies, including those persons who are older, have lower levels of education, lower incomes, and live in rural areas; as well as smaller businesses and farms. Digital inclusion is important to ensure that Ireland’s households, businesses and public sector are prepared for the opportunities and challenges of digitalisation. The report highlights the wide range of State policies focused on digital technologies as well as a range of State, business and community programmes and supports designed to bridge gaps in access to digital technologies by individuals and businesses.
Ensuring that everyone can fully participate in a digital society and economy requires a coordinated suite of actions across Government. The NESC report will help inform the new National Digital Strategy which is currently under development.
Access to reliable connectivity is a pre-requisite for inclusion. The National Broadband Plan (NBP), together with investment by commercial operators, will ensure that reliable high speed broadband connectivity will be available for every household and business in Ireland. The State led NBP intervention will deliver high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area, which covers 1.1 million people living and working in over 544,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with 695 schools.
