416 Wicklow Silver Surfers catch the wave !

Issued : Thursday 6 March, 2014

A total of 416 people aged 55 and over in Wicklow have received digital skills training in the last three years, according to Labour election candidate Paul O’Brien.
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.

Paul O’Brien said: “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.

“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 for his continued commitment to funding 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 - you can call 01 678 3176 for more information."