In the first implementation of its work programme for the coming year, the Information Society Commission (ISC) and the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE) have teamed up for a State-wide Internet access initiative. The Netd@ys Ireland 99 initiative will take place from November 13th to November 21st, and it is aimed at bringing Internet access to a broader audience.

More than 4,000 schools will be invited to share projects with the wider community, to try to generate practical interest in the Internet. Internet demonstrations and tutorials to the public will be organised on a regional basis and mobile computer gyms will also be deployed.

People who have had no exposure to the Internet will be encouraged to learn about and use the Internet in practical ways, including writing and sending e-mails. Private sector organisations will also be invited by the ISC to support Netd@ys Ireland 99 through organised events and sponsorship.

Speaking at the launch of the Second Report of the commission, Ms Vivienne Jupp, chairman, said: "The commission's involvement in Netd@ys Ireland 99 is in direct response to our consumer research which shows that while awareness of the Internet among the general public is quite high at 93 per cent, the level of Internet access, while having trebled in the last two years, is at just 16 per cent." The announcement was made at the presentation of the commission's second report to the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, at Government Buildings.

More information on the second report and the Netd@ys Ireland 99 initiative is available from the Information Society Commission on 01 670 3092, or visit the website at www.infosocomm.ie