Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 75: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way he intends to combat the digital divide; if he is satisfied that those who wish to learn to use the Internet across broad sections of society have an opportunity to learn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43349/09]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 53 for answer on 13th October 2009.

I would however add, that I will shortly be announcing the outcome of the BenefIT 2 eInclusion grant scheme, which I launched in September this year. As a result of grant assistance to the successful projects under this scheme from the Department, it is envisaged that approximately 7,000 training opportunities will be provided for people who wish to learn to use the Internet will be available throughout the country. These training opportunities, which will be provided in partnership with community and voluntary organisations, will provide for beginners to learn precisely the type of skills our research shows are most in demand — i.e. use of email, basic Internet use, as well as a range of other useful skills including conducting on-line transactions.

The Department is preparing a knowledge society strategy for publication in 2010 and, in that context, will inter alia be looking at the approach to tackling the digital divide, taking account of resource availability. The approach will also entail a stronger focus on meaningful content, raising people's awareness of the content relevant to them so as to promote further engagement and encouraging the providers of online services to focus on the usability of their technologies.