Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any steps she is taking to support digital literacy amongst older people.
Minister for the Economy: I am committed to reducing the digital skills gap and ensuring that people of all ages can participate fully and safely in an increasingly digital society. As digital technologies progressively shape how people live, work and access services, the ability to use them confidently and safely is becoming essential.
My Department’s Digital Skills Action Plan 2024–2034 supports those who lack basic digital literacy and promotes digital inclusion, recognising that people learn in different ways and at different stages of life, and that older people can face particular barriers to accessing digital technology, services, education and training.
Practical support is available through the Essential Skills programmes, delivered by further education colleges. Their ICT provision is open to people aged 16 and over, with no upper age limit, providing an accessible route for older people seeking to improve their basic digital literacy, build confidence and develop skills in using computers and technology.
This is complemented by a range of wider lifelong learning and skills provision, offering reskilling and upskilling opportunities for adults aged 18 and over, through further education colleges and universities, including courses in software and digital skills. My Department continues to promote lifelong learning through its work with the Alliance for Lifelong Learning and the Adult Learners’ Forum.
My Department also works with the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency to monitor digital skill levels, including age-specific analysis. This will provide a consistent evidence base to help identify barriers, widen participation and support flexible learning opportunities throughout life.
ENDS
