Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
258. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans to support digital literacy and improve access to online services for older people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64109/25]
View answerMy Department is taking a coordinated and targeted approach to supporting digital literacy and improving access to online services for older people, primarily through the implementation of the Government’s Adult Literacy for Life Strategy.
This ten-year Strategy recognises that digital capability is essential for full participation in society. A strong programme of supports is being delivered across Further Education and Training and community-based provision. A target of reducing the share of adults without basic digital skills from 47% to 20% by 2030 has been set.
Through the Collaboration and Innovation and REACH Funds, a strong suite of initiatives is underway to support older people - including tailored digital skills courses, one-to-one help hubs in libraries and community-based peer mentoring. These programmes are designed to build confidence, functional skills and the ability to use digital tools for everyday tasks such as communicating, accessing information and navigating online services.
In 2025, SOLAS allocated over €176,000 to Age Action to deliver two programmes - the University of the Third Age and Digital Literacy Programme and the Getting Started Digital Skills Programme – both aimed at enhancing digital skills among older people.
In addition, SOLAS is supporting Generation Ireland to pilot digital upskilling programmes for mid-career and workers aged 55 and over. In 2025, €0.5 million was allocated via SOLAS with €0.4 million identified for 2026.
I want to assure the Deputy that I remain committed to ensuring that older people can access the skills, technology and support needed to engage confidently with online services to ensure no one in society is excluded.
