The Charter is a set of commitments to which business and other organisations can sign up to maximise their efforts in contributing to bridging the digital gap by promoting basic digital skills, building awareness and helping people get online.
About the Charter for Digital Inclusion
Digital for Good: Ireland’s Digital Inclusion Roadmap was published in August 2023 and reflects the commitment in Harnessing Digital to ensure the Government better serves people who are not able to engage online and promotes the United Nations principle of “Leave No One Behind”.
A Charter for Digital Inclusion aims to support public and private organisations to join efforts in ensuring equitable access to the use of digital technologies, services, and associated opportunities for everyone. The Charter is a set of commitments to which business and other organisations can sign up to maximise their efforts in contributing to bridging the digital gap by promoting basic digital skills, building awareness and helping people get online. In line with Ireland’s Digital Inclusion Roadmap which identifies access, affordability and ability as key determinants for digital inclusion, digital exclusion encompasses not only the lack of access to technologies and services but also the absence of necessary digital skills and literacy to fully benefit from them. This digital gap can hinder individuals and organisations from fully participating in the digital economy and society.
Addressing it involves strong commitments in the following areas:
- Improving Access: Ensuring that everyone has access to affordable and reliable internet and digital equipment.
- Enhancing Digital Literacy: Providing education and training to develop essential digital skills.
- Policy and Advocacy: Encouraging policies that promote digital inclusion.
We will promote joint action in tackling these areas to work towards a more inclusive digital future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment will invite public bodies, businesses, and community organisations to endorse this Charter, adopt its principles, and join in building a more inclusive digital future for all.
Charter for Digital Inclusion Principles
Our commitments to digital inclusion are guided by the following core principles:
- Equity: Ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age.
- Accessibility: Designing digital services that are usable by all, including people with disabilities or limited digital skills.
- Affordability: Supporting initiatives that make devices and internet access affordable for underserved populations.
- Digital Skills for Life: Promoting lifelong learning and digital literacy at all levels.
- Trust and Safety: Upholding the highest standards in cybersecurity, privacy, and ethical data use.
- Innovation through Collaboration: Encouraging partnership across sectors to drive local and national solutions.
- Evidence-Led Action: Using data and research to guide, measure, and improve our efforts.
Commitments for Digital Inclusion
Businesses and organisations can choose the commitments that best align with their goals.
The Charter asks businesses and organisations to take action by selecting from the list of commitments below.
- We will integrate the digital inclusion principles into our everyday operations and recognise the value of digital tools in supporting wellbeing, access to services, and economic empowerment.
- We commit to providing all staff with the opportunity to develop essential digital skills and actively encourage participation in this learning.
- We commit to making our website easy to use, accessible to all, and designed to support everyone—regardless of ability or experience—in getting online, accessing services, building digital confidence, and embracing digital tools.
- We will support digital inclusion initiatives, embracing the United Nations principle of “Leave No One Behind”.
- We will seek to build local and national partnerships with other organisations, sharing ideas and coordinating efforts to achieve a greater impact collectively.
- We will support sustainability by encouraging the donation of digital equipment to organisations/communities in need.