Martin Heydon
Ceist:553. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to reintroduce the home computing initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27711/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 7 July 2015
Ceisteanna (553)
Freagraí scríofa
The Home Computing Initiative (HCI) was an industry-led initiative endorsed by the then Government in 2007, to make it easier for people to acquire home computers. In the period since 2007, there has been a significant increase in the number of households with access to the internet at home. National data from CSO indicates that 82% of households in 2014 use the internet at home, compared to 57% in 2007. Innovative advances in technology also means that portable computers (netbooks and tablets) along with smartphones, have overtaken the use of home computers, and are widely available in a highly competitive market.
With all households now having access to basic broadband and a high proportion having an internet subscription, my Department is focussed on delivering high speed broadband access, through the National Broadband Plan, and driving digital adoption through the 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.
According to the CSO, the main reasons stated for not having a household internet connection was Not needed (42%) and Lack of skills (39%). My Department’s Benef IT programme is a key initiative under the National Digital Strategy to raise awareness and increase digital skills among citizens. It works in partnership with community voluntary and not-for-profit organisations to provide digital skills training to citizens in more than 700 locations right across the country. The combined efforts of my Department, its partners and other stakeholders are paying dividends with CSO statistics published in December 2014 showing the number of people who have never used the internet now reduced to 1 in 6.
I will arrange for my officials to forward the Deputy a copy of the National Digital Strategy.