EU Commission report shows rise in Ireland’s digital engagement
ICS Skills praises "positive performance"
TechLife | 28 Jun 2012 :
ICS Skills have welcomed the report published by the EU Commission showing a rise in the level of internet use and digital engagement. They hope to continue to impact on digital literacy nationwide, with the recent decision by Minster for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte to extend the availability of basic digital skills training under the BenefIT3 scheme.
Ireland's latest scorecard from the EU Commission published for 2012 shows significant improvements in levels of Internet use and digital engagement. The level of regular internet usage has increased 8 percentage points since 2010 and is now above the EU average. This coupled with the progress shown regarding those who have never used the Internet which has decreased by 6% and increase of Internet use by disadvantaged people by 10%.
The report has been warmly greeted by ICS Skills, who launched the Get Ireland Online programme in October 2011, having being selected to provide training under the BenefIT 3 scheme.
Commenting on the recent EU scorecard Dr Albert Jordan, programme director for the BenefIT Scheme, said: "This positive performance has come about through a wide range of initiatives currently operating in Ireland seeking to address digital inclusion and engagement issues. Undoubtedly the many training and delivery partners, organisations, trainers and volunteers operating under the BenefIT scheme deserve significant credit for this. There are however many more people that still need to be reached and assisted."
TechCentral Reporters