Still resistance and fear among some to the drive to get everything online

There is still resistance and fear among some farmers and older people to othe State and private sector's drive to get everything online, says a Mayo-based computer training tutor.

"There definitely needs to be recognition that huge numbers of society embrace technology but there is a section of society that shouldn't be forgotten," says Ailish Irvine from Irvine Training, which offers computer courses designed to help people make the switch from paperwork to doing business online.

The Kiltimagh-based educator is running digital skills training for over 1,000 members of farm families in Mayo, Galway and Sligo. The course is organised by Roscommon LEADER Partnership on behalf of the Department of Communications.

Similar courses are being rolled out nationwide to offer digital skills and Agfood.ie training for beginners.

It is part of the move to get 'non-liners' online before the Department of Agriculture switch to online-only Basic Payment Sceheme applications next year.

Ailish says around 20pc of those in the classes have some sort of difficulties with literacy or numbers.

"They are only the ones that have made it in the door. It is heartbreaking," she says.

"We can tell within five minutes of someone looking terrified in the corner that they've somehow found the confidence as it is a computer class for farmers - if it was a literacy class we might not have gotten them in the door.

"You see a massive confidence boost at the end of the five weeks," she says.

"It is so frustrating because it is like there is a whole section of society that are so capable, intelligent and business savvy that are scared because of their experiences with the education system."

She says that when people have completed the course "they have a greater sense of ownership knowing everything is there in their own account and that they can track correspondence.

"In terms of social isolation it is really helping older people," she adds.