Ireland launches grant scheme to help people get online

The Irish government on Friday launched a national grant scheme to help people get online throughout the country.

Under the Digital Skills for Citizens Grant Scheme, the government is inviting all community, voluntary and non-profit organizations to apply for grant assistance to provide basic digital skills training courses in cities, towns and villages across the country.

In Ireland, almost one in six adults living in Ireland has never used the internet.

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 the digital world.

Under the scheme, citizens who have never used the internet will be provided with 10 hours of classroom training, free of charge. Lessons are structured to cover the basics skills, and also allow flexibility to address the particular needs and preferences identified by the trainees in attendance.

Organizations applying for grant assistance are encouraged to target training at specific groups such as people over 45, farming communities, small business owners, the unemployed, persons with disabilities and disadvantaged groups. It is expected between 25,000 and 30,000 people will be supported so they can move online.

"Helping people to get online is a key focus for me and the government," said Denis Naughten, minister for communications, climate action and environment.

At the launch ceremony, he said that digital skills for everyone are essential to realize the full social and economic potential of the digital world.

"By working in partnership with community, voluntary and not-for-profit organizations, we will equip people with the skills they need to use and enjoy all that the internet offers," he said. Endit