BIC ministers debate digital inclusion

Friday, 23 June 2017 20:11

British-Irish Council ministers at the Villa Marina, Douglas

Island hosts brainstorm on key work stream

Ensuring everyone benefits from getting online will enhance the health and well-being of communities - and benefit economies.

That message from ministers at a British-Irish Council meeting to discuss digital inclusion, hosted in the Isle of Man today (23 June).

Chaired by Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas, high-ranking delegates outlined projects underway in their jurisdictions to encourage digital participation in everyday life.

Ideas and practice shared at the mini-summit in Douglas aim to improve the work of the eight British-Irish Council adminstrations - and could see joint partnerships formed with large organisations in future.

Minister Thomas says ensuring no one is left behind as technology develops, is key:

Pictured: First Row, l-r

Guernsey Minister for Economic Development, Education, Sport and Culture, Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen; UK Minister for the Constitution, Chris Skidmore MP; Scotland Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop MP

Second Row, l-r

Jersey Assistant Minister for e-Government, Deputy Scott Wickenden; Ireland Minister of State for Training, Skills and Innovation, John Halligan TD

Back Row, l-r

IOM Minister for Policy and Reform, Chris Thomas MHK; Wales Minister for Lifelong Learning and Welsh Language, Alun Davies AM