James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Again, I thank Deputy McGreehan for raising this very important matter. Digital technologies play an increasingly important role in the way we live, learn, work and participate in the economy and in society. Digital technologies can and should make the lives of all of our people better, for example through the creation of new job opportunities, new and more efficient ways of working, greater and more equitable access to personal, social and civic opportunities and improved accessible and inclusive government services for everyone.

However, in an increasingly digital society, those who are unable to avail of digital opportunities for whatever reason, risk being excluded from society. Social inclusion continues to be a whole-of-government policy, a key aim of which is to increase social inclusion for those who are most disadvantaged. This is reflected in the ambition, goals and commitments in the Government’s Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025, overseen by the Department of Social Protection. Meaningful digital inclusion is an important element of social inclusion and is required to achieve equitable participation in the digital society. In that context, meaningful implementation of the European Accessibility Act by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is very important.The Minister will of course be taking into account all necessary supports that are needed as the regulations are developed and the decisions are made. It is not until we work those out a little more that we can establish what necessary supports are needed to be put in place.