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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Digital exclusion in local services

Summary

Deputy Ward says South Dublin County Council’s online-only reporting system excludes residents without digital skills. The Tánaiste says digitisation must not leave people behind and he will ask the Housing Minister to follow up.

Last year, the Tánaiste launched a DEIS connect programme in my old school, St. Kevin's Community College. The DEIS connect programme aims to bridge the digital divide in disadvantaged communities. The Tánaiste will agree this was a wonderful initiative he launched. However, South Dublin County Council is ignoring that there are digital divides in some disadvantaged communities. The council's move to an online system to report maintenance issues excludes residents who do not have the capacity to use online systems. Previously, residents would contact the council by phone, or their local representatives, to report the issues. I have explained to the council that some residents simply cannot use the online system. I am getting the same copy-and-paste answer directing residents back on to the online system. This is disrespectful to the residents and to public representatives. Can local authorities be contacted to ensure they are including all people, including those who have digital literacy challenges?

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That is a very fair point. As we move online and increase the digitalisation agenda, we should always look out for those who are not as efficient online or who find it very difficult. I will ask the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, who has responsibility for local authorities to follow up on that. Local authorities and councillors should also engage with the management to make sure there is a balanced response.

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