Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2030. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if funding will be allocated to an organisation (details supplied) and other community organisations that provide training courses to older persons in rural Ireland; if follow-on programmes subsequent to training already provided such as getting citizens online will be authorised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32677/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed under the National Digital Strategy to actively support people, including in particular older citizens, to move online. Figures from the Central Statistics Office show that almost one in seven adults living in Ireland has never used the internet with lack of skills identified as a key barrier. As part of the ‘Getting Citizens Online Programme’ my Department’s Digital Skills for Citizens Scheme, is concentrating on providing these people with the basic skills needed to take their first steps online.
Since training began in January 2017 over 29,000 people have received training. I have allocated €2.2 million in 2018 to the Getting Citizens Online Programme and can confirm that the organisation referred to in the Question is one of 12 community, voluntary and not-for profit organisations who are receiving funding from my Department to provide basic digital skills training classes across all Counties.
Officials in my Department are also working to develop innovative collaborations with industry and public sector organisations to support and provide opportunities for people to learn about and develop greater confidence in using digital services in their communities.
Further details of the Digital Skills for Citizen Scheme is available at www.dccae.gov.ie/digitalskills.
