Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:15 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the progress to date in the work of the Information Society Commission. [24324/99]
Vol. 511 No. 4
15 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the progress to date in the work of the Information Society Commission. [24324/99]
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.