27 March 2007

All individuals must have access to IT and the internet, particularly the elderly or persons with disabilities, the Irish Minister of State with responsibility for the Information Society has said.

Tom Kitt, writing for eGov monitor, asserted that the Irish government would be putting e-inclusion at the heart of its policies, with €1.4 million (£950,000 million) spent last year on projects of this nature.

The initiatives funded "will have a direct benefit to many groups that are at risk of exclusion from the knowledge society - including older people and people with disabilities", said Mr Kitt.

He added that the "exciting and rewarding world of the Internet" must be opened up to these demographics if the Irish government is to succeed in ensuring that vulnerable citizens are to take a full part in the growing knowledge-based economy.

The Irish government's Reach project, which aims to help people to access services online, was recognised with an Innovation Through Technology award and a Public Service Excellence award in 2006.

© Adfero Ltd

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