The importance of public policy initiatives to ensure Ireland’s development as an information society is inclusive has been emphasised by cabinet member Ms Mary Hanafin.
Ms Hanafin who has responsibility for the Information Society, was speaking at the third summit meeting of the British-Irish Council in Jersey.
She said: "Ensuring development of an inclusive information society has become a public policy priority."
"It is increasingly evident that our approach must extend beyond raising awareness and providing points of access to the Internet."
Ms Hanafin said: "Measures are needed to build the capacity necessary to support inclusive information society development, and to actively promote participation among late adopters of new technologies."
She drew attention to a number of measures being taken under the ‘New Connections’, the Government’s Action Plan on the Information Scoiety.
"Promoting inclusion is a key priority of the new Government Action Plan. We recognise that investments in information society projects will only be maximised if everybody has access to them," she said.
