Shane Moynihan (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Tánaiste's utterance that it will be a digital first as opposed to a digital only approach. It is important to acknowledge that for many older people, these barriers they perceive to entering a digital world can be ones they do not feel comfortable expressing. That is why any services we design to embrace those people and bring them in should be designed to be proactive and offer that help in a way that feels respectful, discreet and empowering. I encourage the reframing of the strategy with the Minister, Deputy Burke, and the Minister of State, Deputy Smyth, on which I would welcome engagement, around the option of maintaining the option of paper billing for those who might not have access to a computer or who may not have the digital skills they need to access the online services. There should also be clear guidance from ComReg in particular with regard to telecoms providers. In many services, as the Tánaiste states, there is a consumer demand. There are also many services, which are essential for older people. Especially in an older population where we know loneliness is a real issue, communications is an important service they rely on. There needs to be proactive guidance from ComReg on that, and on ensuring that where available, face to face and human phone-based supports can remain essential access routes.

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