Netd@ys Ireland, the annual event designed to raise awareness of the information age in Ireland, was launched this week by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern. Taking place from November 13th-21st, more than 500,000 people are expected to take advantage of the event at one of the many Internet access points which will be set up around the State.

Schools and education centres will be opened to the public, while libraries, community groups and local businesses are also being encouraged to get involved. A Netd@ys Ireland roadshow, in association with Eircom, will feature four fully kitted-out computer gyms which will tour the State, providing further Internet access. Netd@ys is co-ordinated by the Information Society Commission (ISC) and the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE). RTE is the broadcast sponsor.