NICVA supports move to open up the web

Published on 17 May 2006

Government has announced that it will send every home in Northern Ireland a compact disc showing how to use computers, send and receive emails and use the world wide web for shopping or research.

Government has announced that it will send every home in Northern Ireland a compact disc showing how to use computers, send and receive emails and use the world wide web for shopping or research. It is also publicising a network of 400 internet access points throughout Northern Ireland for people who do not have access to computers.

Stephen Gray, head of information technology at NICVA, said;

“NICVA welcomes this initiative to open up access to the internet to excluded groups such as people with disabilities, older people, families on low incomes and adults with low skills or poor educational qualifications.

It is essential that we end the ‘digital divide’ and make the benefits of computers and the internet available to everyone. Our message is: ‘Get caught in the web’.

He added;

"NICVA actively campaigns against poverty and social exclusion. Just as we want everyone to have access to good education and health, adequate incomes and decent housing, so we also want them to enjoy the resources of the world wide web.“Sending this ‘Internet Made Easy’ CD to every household and making everyone aware that there is computer access near to their home is a good start that can be followed up with more advice and training for those who want it”

For more information please contact Paul Mc Gill at NICVA on 028 9087 7777, mobile: 0772 1746 805.