AQW 45080/22-27


Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast


Tabled Date: 29/04/2026
Answered On Date: 18/05/2026
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Finance to detail any work his Department is undertaking to enhance digital inclusion.


Answer:
The Department of Finance’s Digital Inclusion Unit continues to promote the use of online government services by providing free, tailored training sessions to help individuals build the digital skills, confidence, and trust needed to participate fully in an increasingly digital society.
Working in partnership with Libraries NI and Supporting Communities NI, the Unit delivers bespoke workshops throughout the year in local libraries, community centres, and hubs, focusing on those most affected by digital exclusion. During the 2025/26 financial year, more than 2,800 people have benefited from this support.
The Department of Finance’s Digital Inclusion Unit secured £267,249 in funding to further strengthen and expand local digital inclusion initiatives in the following areas.
Research and Development - conducted in-depth research on digital poverty, exploring key barriers to access and highlighting differences between urban and rural communities to inform targeted interventions.
Research and Development - a landscape review of the current Go ON programme, identifying key findings and recommendations that will inform and enhance future programme development and delivery
Digital Skills Training - delivered 66 tailored training sessions for disabled people, their carers, and older adults, supporting a total of 233 individuals to build digital confidence and skills.
Digital Skills Training - facilitated 24 training sessions for 227 individuals, focusing on money-saving techniques and essential everyday digital tasks, improving access to online services and boosting confidence.
Specialist Digital Skills Training - delivered 33 specialist sessions supporting 19 individuals who are deaf or have hearing loss, providing tailored support to address specific accessibility needs.
Device Provision – procurement of 300 laptops for VCSE (Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise) organisations, enabling flexible access to technology and supporting wider digital inclusion.
The Unit also collaborates across the public, private, voluntary and community sectors through the Digital Assist Steering Group, which fosters joined up working and shared learning. This group brings together key stakeholders to improve digital skills across all levels, encouraging a more collaborative, coordinated, and innovative approach to addressing digital exclusion.