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Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte today presented certificates to one of the first groups of trainees to complete basic internet training under the latest phase of the Bene

IT scheme run by the Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources.

The trainees have all recently completed training as part of the “Get Ireland On-line” initiative run by ICS skills under the Minister’s Bene

IT 3 scheme. 

Minister Rabbitte congratulated all the trainees on what they have achieved and hoped that they would go on to reap the advantages of their newly acquired skills for many years to come.

Speaking at the event – which took place at ICS Skills’ offices in Dublin - the Minister said,

 “For me as Minister one of the most satisfying aspects of my job is seeing positive outcomes for people.  That’s why digital inclusion is so important to me. Without the skills to use technologies like the internet, the substantial investment being made in Ireland’s infrastructure is under-utilised.  As a result, our potential as a nation is not being fulfilled and opportunities are being lost.

 I want to ensure that no one is left behind - that every citizen has the opportunity to embrace our increasingly digital world.  The technology is getting easier and cheaper all the time.   Many services are now more easily accessed on-line.  Training and support is available from the Government.  If you are planning on being around for a while you may as well get on-line now. ”

 Training, like the basic training being recognised here today, is now available all over Ireland - empowering thousands of people and opening up new opportunities for them. I would certainly encourage anyone - whatever their background or age - who was thinking that they might like to explore the many opportunities the internet has to offer, to avail of these training opportunities. “

More information

Under the Bene

IT 3 scheme - €1.88m is being provided as grant assistance through about 200 community, voluntary or not for profit organisations to provide basic internet training at about 700 locations throughout Ireland.  The Bene

IT 3 scheme is the third such scheme of this type run through the Department of Communications, Energy & Natural resources since 2008.  Between them the 3 schemes will provide training to approximately 100,000 people.  

For more information see