Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ireland
Dublin, 14 May 2025 – Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth, has today issued a nationwide call to action as Ireland prepares to launch its Charter for Digital Inclusion—a key initiative under Digital for Good: Ireland’s Digital Inclusion Roadmap, part of the government’s broader National Digital Strategy.
The Charter aims to ensure equitable access to digital technologies for all citizens and communities across Ireland, bridging the digital divide through coordinated action by the public sector, private industry, and civil society.
“Digital technology is reshaping how we live, work, and connect,” said Minister Smyth. “But we must ensure that no one is left behind. This Charter is a call to action for businesses and organisations to embed digital inclusion into their operations and commit to real, measurable change.”
A Framework for a Digitally Inclusive Society
The Charter will outline a series of commitments centred on accessibility, equity, affordability, and the development of digital skills. It encourages cross-sector collaboration and action, enabling organisations to contribute to a more inclusive digital ecosystem.
Participating organisations will be able to select specific commitments aligned with their values and capacity—from enhancing accessibility and digital literacy to building partnerships and supporting underserved communities.
Minister Smyth stressed the importance of larger enterprises supporting smaller ones, particularly SMEs, in embracing digital tools:
“When larger companies help SMEs go digital, the entire economy benefits. This Charter provides a roadmap to build an inclusive, digitally empowered Ireland—together.”
Real-World Impact and Examples
The Minister highlighted current initiatives that reflect the spirit of the Charter, including:
- Google’s 500 AI scholarships to boost community digital and AI skills
- Enterprise Nation and Vodafone Ireland’s ‘Tech Hub’ initiative helping Irish SMEs adopt AI tools
“These initiatives demonstrate what’s possible,” she said. “The Charter will help scale this impact nationwide.”
A Hub for Inspiration and Collaboration
To support the rollout, a dedicated online portal will be launched, detailing the Charter’s principles, showcasing success stories, and offering resources for organisations to join the movement. This platform will serve as a central hub for collaboration, inspiration, and progress tracking.
“This isn’t just a government initiative,” concluded Minister Smyth. “It’s a national effort. I invite businesses, public bodies, and community organisations to sign the Charter and work with us to build a truly inclusive digital future.”
About the Charter for Digital Inclusion
The Charter for Digital Inclusion supports Ireland’s commitment to the United Nations principle of “Leave No One Behind” and aims to ensure that everyone—regardless of age, ability, income, or location—can access and benefit from digital services.
Core Principles:
- Equity: Ensuring no one is excluded in the digital age
- Accessibility: Designing services that are inclusive and user-friendly
- Affordability: Supporting access to affordable devices and internet
- Digital Skills for Life: Promoting lifelong learning in digital literacy
- Trust and Safety: Upholding privacy, cybersecurity, and ethical data use
- Innovation through Collaboration: Encouraging partnerships across sectors
- Evidence-Led Action: Using data to guide and measure progress
Sample Organisational Commitments:
- Embed digital inclusion principles into daily operations
- Provide staff with opportunities to develop essential digital skills
- Ensure websites and digital tools are accessible to all
- Support local and national digital inclusion initiatives
- Donate devices to underserved communities
- Foster partnerships to expand impact
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment will formally invite organisations to endorse the Charter and contribute to Ireland’s mission of creating a more equitable digital society.
Minister Niamh Smyth Picture on Wikimedia from The Houses of the Oireachtas Media Team
