John Bruton
Ceist:7 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the current work programme of the Information Society Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19240/00]
Ceisteanna–Questions. - Information Society Commission.
John Bruton
Ceist:8 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on the recent report on the digital divide by the Information Society Commission. [21824/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 8 together.
The Information Society Commission's recent report on how the general public is adapting to the information society presented a positive picture overall, with all the indicators showing that access to, and usage of, the new technology is steadily increasing. At the same time, the survey indicated that we appear to be no nearer to closing the digital divide, with those not working, or in non-skilled jobs, having very low rates of access.
As I indicated in my reply to the written question last week, the Information Society Commission continues to focus on this key area of awareness, access and training in its programme of activities. An IT 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.
The commission's work in improving levels of awareness, access and training is only part of the picture. Other Departments and agencies are also active in this area, with, as examples, free Internet access being provided in our libraries and the provision of kiosks in employment offices to enable access to the FAS on-line jobs bank. Details are set out in the replies I provided to questions on 17 October last. In addition, an interdepartmental group, chaired by my Department, is working on a framework for an integrated strategy to ensure that everyone can participate in, and benefit from, the information society. The community-voluntary sector, with support from the State, is also doing valuable work in tackling access issues, particularly for late adopters.
In addition to the activities I have already outlined, the Information Society Commission's work programme includes the preparation, with the assistance of its advisory groups, of its third comprehensive report to the Government on public policy on information society matters. The commission is also due to publish soon the results of a research project on best international practice for lifelong learning in the information society.
Does the Taoiseach believe it is fair for second level schools to set project work and homework for students which, if they are to do their work properly, involves the use of computers at home?
That question is not relevant to matters dealt with by the Information Society Commission and should really be tabled to the Minister for Education and Science. However, I do not believe it is fair to pressurise young people into believing they should have a computer at home.
Is the Taoiseach aware – I can confirm this from first-hand experience – that schools are setting work which involves the use of a computer at home and that the families of students in the schools in question, one of which is attended by one of my children, would not be able to afford to purchase a computer for home use? This means that those students do not have the same opportunities to complete their homework as quickly as those who are fortunate enough to have a computer at home. Furthermore, if one lives in an area where there is not ready access to ISDN lines, etc., the operation of a computer is much slower so that people living in rural areas experience disadvantages not encountered by those living in other areas.
Does the Taoiseach agree that there is a widening digital divide in this country and that it is not an academic issue because it affects children, old people and those living in rural areas who are gradually being cut off from mainstream society? Does he further agree that people are being left behind in this headlong rush towards the IT revolution?
I already stated that in my reply. I am not aware of the schools in question but it would be unfair if children were expected to have the use of a computer at home. We would be doing well if half of the people in any given area had access to a computer at home. The Information Society Commission is doing an enormous amount of work to try to provide a framework for an integration strategy to ensure everyone can participate and benefit. Information days for old people were held last year in community centres throughout the country. Programmes are taking place which enable people to access FÁS centres, unemployment centres and shopping centres. However, those who have access to computers in school and at home have an advantage over those who do not have such access.
Will the Taoiseach agree that it is not much use having a computer in the school for a student to use if the school bus has already left and the child had to go home?
The matter of the school bus should be pursued by way of a question to the Minister for Education and Science.
Will the Taoiseach agree that the fundamental source of most injustice in Ireland begins in schools? Will he agree that if there is injustice in relation to access to computers and the use of computers in schools, that injustice will last for the next 60 or 70 years as long as these people live?
Three years ago, there were no computers in 95% of schools. As a result of the IT 2000 programme, students have access to computers in all schools. A high proportion of schools throughout the country now have computer rooms. Obviously there is not a computer for every student but more schools now include computer studies on the curriculum. Students have more access to computers. Obviously, people cannot use these computers if they have left on the bus, but in many cases students have access to computers after school hours. Computers are also being used to access credit unions, social welfare centres and employment exchanges. As regards the point the Deputy made about broadband connectivity, whether 360 or global crossing throughout the country, that will be available for rural Ireland. This will take place in the next six months.