ABSTRACT

Governments around the world are becoming increasingly reliant on electronic structures and services, and since 2008 a new driver has emerged as a result of the economic downturn, with governments moving more services online in the hope of delivering cost. The successful transition to e-government is dependent on citizens accessing public services online, and for this to happen, access to the necessary infrastructure (computer and Internet connection) is required along with a level of competency in using information and communication technologies (ICTs). The entitlement to access public services and fully participate in a society are key aspects of social citizenship. In this chapter we draw on research with older adults in urban and rural areas in the island of Ireland to examine the impact on citizens of the move to deliver more and more public services online. There is an increasing separation between those who have the skills, knowledge and economic resources to do so with those who do not; how we ensure full citizenship for all remains unanswered if not too often unconsidered.