merrion street

EU Commissioner Kroes welcomes appointment of David Puttnam as Irish Digital Champion

Brussels Thursday 20 December. The Minister for Communications, Pat Rabbitte T.D. today welcomed CSO figures showing that 81% of homes are connected to the Internet but said he hoped to see a number much closer to 100% within the next two years.

Speaking at a meeting of EU Telecoms Ministers in Brussels, he said "The internet is not about games and shopping in 2012. It is an essential tool for living whether you are 17 or 77. Government has a challenge to persuade the remaining 20% of households to get connected"

"Broadband is now available to homes everywhere in the country but many people - particularly older people have not yet become convinced of the benefits. The CSO figures suggest that just over half of those over 60 have never used the Internet. While this may not be surprising it is something we need to address as a society. This will be one of the issues to be addressed in the Knowledge Society Strategy which I will be publishing in the New Year. It is also an issue close to the heart that David Puttnam our recently appointed Digital Champion"

At the Council Meeting, EU Communications Commissioner Neelie Kroes also welcomed the appointment of Lord Puttnam as Ireland's Digital Champion saying he would be very effective in raising issues and challenging traditional thinking.

Minister Rabbitte told his European colleagues that the Irish Presidency would focus on European investment in broadband infrastructure as well as legislation to complete the digital single market. "We have an ambitious plan for roll out of super fast broadband in Ireland. Other countries are very interested in our plans."