30% Of Irish People Have Never Been Online

Monday, 27 September 2010 15:21

Written by Noel Cotter

Fifty-percent of economic growth now depends on the ICT sector either directly or indirectly.

While sectors of Irish industry are ahead of EU averages for ICT use, 30% of Irish citizens have not yet gone on line. And EU spending as a whole on ICT research is less than half of US levels.

By 2020, the European Commission as part of its 'Digital Agenda' wants to see all households having access to fast-speed broadband. By 2015, all patients could have access to their online medical records wherever they are in the EU.

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan TD said today: "The Digital Agenda is at right at the centre of smart economic growth. It is especially an opportunity for Ireland to attract ICT companies and Ireland has a chance to be ahead and not merely following behind other countries. While Ireland's economy shrank in 2009, Ireland's ICT sector grew by 6%. Ireland is committed to working with the European Commission to use both incentives and competition to attract and develop the digital economy in Ireland."

Anthony Whelan, Head of Cabinet for Neelie Kroes. European Commissioner for Digital Agenda said: "Ireland is punching above its weight in European digital research. It is addressing the broadband infrastructure challenge for industry, schools and rural communites and irelan'ds businesses are above-average in online commerce and the use of 'e-Government services. However, take-up by citizens and consumers of opportunities to use public services and do business online is still lagging behind. We need to remember that the internet is also a major social opportunity for the elderly, disadvantaged and disabled."

Minister Ryan and Mr Whelan were speaking at a conference in Dublin organised by the European Commission Representation which brought together academics, business, regulators and NGOs. Faster internet access, developing computer skills, R&D spending, balancing incentives and competition were all discussed.