Let's encourage Laois Silver Surfers to catch up with others – Tuohy

Issued : Tuesday 4 March, 2014

A total of 89 people aged 55 and over in Laois have received digital skills training in the last three years, according to Portlaoise Labour election candidate Noel Tuohy. “In the neighbouring county Offaly the uptake is 558, over five times more than in Laois which has a bigger population. Indeed Laois has the lowest uptake in the country. Why is this? Let’s encourage Laois ‘silver surfers’ to get on-line”, said Noel Tuohy.

The figures, released this week, relate to the numbers of so-called ‘silver surfers’ who have been trained under the BenefIT digital skills scheme since mid-2011. The scheme is delivered by community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations in the county and is funded by the Department of Communications.

“Being online has many benefits for individuals and is worth hundreds of euros every year in average household savings. It’s also good for our county.

“However, 46% of Irish people aged 65 and over cite a lack of skills as being the main factor restricting their use of the internet. Thankfully, the BenefIT skills courses being delivered locally targets precisely those people and aims to get them active online.

“These figures show that scores of over 55s in the locality are being equipped with vital digital skills that will lead to positive changes in their everyday lives.

“The training focuses on the digital skills those people need - like how to use eMail, how to do an internet search, how to use services like skype, conduct simple on-line transactions like book a ticket, pay a bill, or reserve a book. There is also optional training relating to digital photographs, banking on-line, safety and security online, use social networking, use of Apps, or using the internet to assist with a person’s own areas of interest.

“The BenefIT skills grant scheme is an excellent initiative with many positive outcomes and I want to commend my colleague, Minister for Communications, Pat Rabbitte, for his continued commitment to it.

“We should all ask ourselves how the internet could be helpful to someone we know and how we might be able to encourage or help them to get online. For those who need help – or who want to progress further - there are ongoing training opportunities available under BenefIT which I would advise them to avail of.”