Digital divide widens in Ireland
The digital divide between the professional and working classes in Ireland is widening, according to a new survey published today at a seminar hosted by the Information Society Commission (ISC).
The report titled "Digital Divide -Analysis of the Uptake of Information Technology in the Dublin Region" shows that 74% of people in the higher professional class, compared with only 15% in the unskilled manual class, have an acceptable level of ICT proficiency.
Key findings from the report highlight that Women have a lower level of computer awareness than men with 48.9% versus 58.4%.
People from a higher professional class are on average four times more likely to own and use a computer, compared to those from the unskilled manual social class, and eleven times more likely to feel confident about computers.
Only 17% of people who have retired have a computer in their home, while a mere 30% of respondents engaged in home duties report having a computer at home.
The key conclusion of the report is that without successful targeted Government intervention, the uptake of computers and the internet may have the effect of exacerbating existing social divisions, leading to an ever increasing digital divide among people of different social classes.
Speaking at the launch, Philip O'Connor, Chair, Digital Inclusion Steering Group, called for more government investment to tackle this disparity in IT skills.
"The Irish Government has a key role to play in supporting disadvantaged individuals and communities through the targeted provision of ICT access and training facilities" he said.
"The cost of such an initiative rolled out nationally would be no more than €15m in year one and €10m per annum thereafter", he added.
