Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Last year, the Tánaiste launched a DEIS connect programme in my old school, St. Kevin's Community College. The DEIS connect programme aims to bridge the digital divide in disadvantaged communities. The Tánaiste will agree this was a wonderful initiative he launched. However, South Dublin County Council is ignoring that there are digital divides in some disadvantaged communities. The council's move to an online system to report maintenance issues excludes residents who do not have the capacity to use online systems. Previously, residents would contact the council by phone, or their local representatives, to report the issues. I have explained to the council that some residents simply cannot use the online system. I am getting the same copy-and-paste answer directing residents back on to the online system. This is disrespectful to the residents and to public representatives. Can local authorities be contacted to ensure they are including all people, including those who have digital literacy challenges?

See this speech in context