Online usage in Northern Ireland has increased by over 14% in the last three years to 80% of adults, according to Finance Minister Simon Hamilton.

The Minister announced the figures as he was speaking during UK Get Online Week at an event in Portaferry Library.

The event was one of a series organised as part of the Department of Finance and Personnel’s Go ON NI campaign, which aims to inspire people to get online and gain some basic digital skills.

"Over the last three years, the Go ON NI team has made a real difference in communities across Northern Ireland," the Minister said. "Through a combination of local partners, digital champions and providing internet awareness sessions, online usage here has increased by over 14% in the last three years to 80% of adults.

"The internet is an important channel of communication and source of information, and many of us take for granted everyday tasks that we perform online. Citizens here in Portaferry Library today were learning how to use an email account, send emails, bank online, access government services through the NI Direct website, shop online and much more. We want to get as many people as possible online and this initiative is a really effective way of engaging and encouraging those who may feel less comfortable using the internet."

(IT/CD)