A fund of €1.6 million is to be made available for internet training for older people.

Some 30,000 people are expected to benefit from the scheme, which is to provide basic internet skills to those least likely to engage with the internet of their own accord.

Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte announced he was making the money available, at the launch of Age Action Ireland’s new computer training facility in Lower Abbey Street, Dublin.

Mr Rabbitte said he had decided to increase the resources originally earmarked for this scheme as research had shown that investment in similar schemes delivers results..

“This scheme will enable thousands of people throughout Ireland – people otherwise likely to be left behind in the knowledge society – to acquire the basic practical know-how to improve their digital skills,” he said.

“In particular, this will help older people, those with disabilities, the unemployed and other key target groups. They will learn to use the internet, email and how to conduct simple on-line transactions”, he said.

Previous schemes have show learning basic skills helps people in many ways – giving them new communication options, new opportunities to save money, as well as better access to on-line services.

“We have also seen how such new skills and the opportunities that result from them improve people’s confidence and wellbeing. More widespread participation in the knowledge society is a win-win outcome – with advantages for citizens, government and the wider economy,” Mr Rabbitte said.

Full article