At least one in six Irish adults have never used the internet. The new training scheme aims to resolve that. Image: Rawpixel/Shutterstock
Ireland’s Communications Minister Denis Naughten, TD, has awarded €2.2m to 15 community and not-for-profit organisations to provide basic digital skills training to 26,000 people.
Minister Naughten said the Communication Department’s Digital Skills for Citizens Scheme aims to give people the confidence, motivation and skills to take their first steps online “so that they can play their part in an increasingly digital world”.
Training in basic internet skills will be delivered free of charge to more than 26,000 people during 2017.
‘In a “connected” society, digital skills for everyone are absolutely essential if we’re going to realise the full social and economic potential of this digital world’
– DENIS NAUGHTEN
The Digital Skills for Citizens Scheme is a key part of the Government’s National Digital Strategy, which recognises the importance of enabling all citizens to realise the full social and economic potential of the digital world.
Almost one in six Irish adults have never used the internet
The 15 organisations which were successful in the Department of Communication’s recent competitive call for proposals. Image: Department of Communications
The Digital Skills for Citizens Scheme is designed to provide citizens who have never used the internet with the confidence, motivation and skills to reap the benefits of participating in today’s digital world.
“In a ‘connected’ society, digital skills for everyone are absolutely essential if we’re going to realise the full social and economic potential of this digital world,” Naughten said.
“But many people have never had a chance to learn these skills. Helping these individuals, communities and businesses acquire them is a significant policy priority for me.”
A full geographic spread of classes, engaging deeply with communities across every county, will be ensured and monitored under the scheme.
Naughten explained: “Working in partnership with the 15 community and not-for-profit organisations that have been awarded grant funding, we are actively supporting people to move online and enjoy all that the internet offers.”
