David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 306: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the success or otherwise of the community application of information technology initiative; if a recommendation was received to put in place further such initiatives; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7802/05]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 128 on 21 October 2003. Each year my Department provides education and training grants to community development projects. Some 185 community development projects are based in disadvantaged areas across the country. These projects run a range of courses, including IT training, geared towards enhancing the computer and Internet access skills of people living in disadvantaged areas. Equipment grants are also available to projects to enable them to purchase computers and equip their centres to run IT courses.

Area partnerships and community partnerships deliver the local development social inclusion programme at local level on behalf of my Department. The actions delivered at local level under the three sub-measures of the programme: services for the unemployed; community development; and community based youth initiatives, would include IT courses. Under the programme of grants for locally-based community and voluntary organisations, grants are available for the provision of IT training and equipment to community and voluntary organisations. In 2004, I approved grants in excess of €500,000 for these purposes to a wide variety of groups throughout the country. My Department is examining the possibility of facilitating projects to be funded under the information society fund regarding a number of specific initiatives for the promotion and facilitation of information and communications technology in communities.