8. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the way in which digitalisation of public services is being managed to enhance service delivery for rural people, taking into account that those with limited broadband access or digital skills will not be left behind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40066/26]
Sentiment score: -0.07
In the move to increasingly digitalised services, it is hugely important that people are not left behind, including anybody who is not able to partake of such services. Digital by default cannot mean digital only. There are large numbers of people in different areas who are finding things more and more difficult. Will the Minister of State outline the efforts the Government is making to ensure that everybody is included?
Sentiment score: 0.05
It is interesting that the Minister of State put a lot of focus on the NBI roll-out across the country. The NBI starts in one place and finishes in another. Guess where the last places are that are getting it? They are located in the area west of Macroom. Our three switches remain to be activated, along with some of the other communities across the country that have yet to get be given access to broadband by NBI. It would be helpful if we could put in an extra push to encourage NBI to finish it out. It is currently working on some of the switches in Dunmanway, Carriganima and Ballingeary. This would be a great example of how we could push to make sure that digital services are available to people. Is it possible to engage with NBI to ensure that we get delivery on the service locally this year?
Sentiment score: 0.28
Will the Minister of State outline the level of co-ordination with the larger stakeholders such as banks, financial services companies and the Department of Social Protection? Unfortunately, across my community, we have had bank branch closures in Dunmanway, Millstreet and Kanturk. In addition, the public counter in the PTSB branch in Macroom has been withdrawn. Just recently, the ATM in Newmarket was removed. This puts extra pressure on people. It pushes some individuals who are not entirely comfortable operating digitally and who would prefer to do their business with a person over the counter. It puts them in a more difficult position. Will the Minister of State outline the co-ordination taking place with banks and financial services companies to ensure that rural communities and people of all ages who may not be comfortable operating in this space, whether it is as a result of literacy issues or the fact that they may not be digital natives, are not left behind?
Sentiment score: -0.19
Since the beginning of the year, there have been significant spending shocks, including the likes of the Department of education and the war in West Asia, driving fuel prices and the need for a support package as a result for so many users. Will the Minister advise if overall expenditure is still on profile?
Sentiment score: -0.03
A significant support package had to be put in place for fuel and transport earlier this year arising from that conflict in West Asia. I am conscious that the date for the agri scheme has been extended from Wednesday through to next Tuesday to ensure that the maximum number of farmers and contractors can get their applications in. I understand that a Supplementary Estimate on that is due in the weeks ahead. I am conscious that no matter how quickly that conflict in the Gulf were to be resolved - and it needs to be resolved sooner rather than later - elevated fuel prices would continue for some time and likely feed through into so many other costs for people. Does the Department have space to extend the schemes that are there if the conflict and the high pressure continue through the summer? Many of those schemes are due to end during the summer.
Sentiment score: 0.01
Yes, it is right to focus on where the greatest need is. So many farmers and contractors were under phenomenal pressure. They are getting their applications in at the moment. It is a very busy time of year for them. We are also all watching that date in the summer when the schemes and the supports would be expected to finish out. The Minister is right that the Department will have to review the position at that point. The key question, then, is whether the Department has the fiscal space or the funding available or whether it will need further Supplementary Estimates at that point to return and to review those supports or any other supports that might be needed later in the summer. Is the funding there?
Sentiment score: 0.18