The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughten, T.D., is inviting community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations to apply for funding to provide citizens with basic digital skills training under his Department’s new Digital Skills for Citizens Grant Scheme.
The Digital Skills for Citizens Grant Scheme is a key part of the Government’s National Digital Strategy and a significant policy priority for the Communications Minister Denis Naughten TD.
Figures from the Central Statistics Office show that 17% of Irish people have never used the internet and cite lack of skills as one of the key barriers. This Scheme aims to address this skills deficit and give people the confidence and knowledge to participate in today’s digital world.
Working in partnership with organisations active in the communities they serve, the Minister’s Department aims to deliver digital literacy training in numerous locations across all counties.
Organisations 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.
