Julie James Minister for Housing and Local Government
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
In accordance with the inter-institutional relations agreement, I can report to Members that I attended the British-Irish Council (BIC) Digital Inclusion Work Sector Ministerial Meeting on Friday 5 March, held virtually due to the current Covid-19 public health requirements across Member Administrations.
The meeting was attended by Hon Ray Harmer MHK, Minister for Policy and Reform, Isle of Man Government (Chair), Deputy Andrea Dudley-Owen, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, Government of Guernsey, Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for Transport and Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Irish Government, Deputy Jeremy Maçon, Minister for Education, the Government of Jersey, Conor Murphy MLA, Minister of Finance and Diane Dodds MLA, Minister for the Economy, Northern Ireland Executive, Ivan McKee MSP, Minister for Trade, Innovation and Public Finance, Scottish Government and Caroline Dinenage MP, Minister of State for Digital and Culture, UK Government.
During the discussion I made clear that:
- Digital inclusion is a key social justice and equalities issue. It is about ensuring people are confident to use the internet and digital technology in ways that will enhance their lives. We want digital to help people overcome other disadvantages which they might face.
- We, as Welsh Government, are committed to support everyone to gain the motivation, confidence and skills in order to make informed decisions and choose how they participate in, and make the most of, our increasingly digital world.
- We will strive to ensure that no citizen is left behind as we embrace a digital first approach and digital inclusion will be at the heart of all we deliver.
Ministers agreed that the Digital Inclusion work sector should continue to collaborate on the themes of promoting online safety, basic digital skills and addressing digital inclusion across the Member Administrations. This includes continuing to share best practice in these areas. Ministers also agreed that the work sector should place a particular focus on young people and future skills development, as well as working in partnership with the private and third sectors to promote digital inclusion.
Further information can be found at: https://www.britishirishcouncil.org/second-bic-digital-inclusion-ministerial-hosted-isle-man-government