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International comparison:
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For more information on this release:
E-mail: Socialmodules@cso.ie Maureen Delamere (+353) 21 453 5081 Paul Michael Crowley (+353) 21 453 5090
For general information on CSO statistics:
information@cso.ie (+353) 21 453 5000 On-line ISSN 2009-5791
CSO statistical release, , 11am

Information Society Statistics - Households

2017

Households with access to the internet
% of households
20102011201220132014201520162017
7278818282858789

89% of households have access to the internet at home

Figure 1 Percentage of households with internet access
go to full release

Summary of main findings:

  • It is estimated that, in 2017, 89% of households have access to the internet at home, an increase of two percentage points on 2016. See table 1a and figure 1.
  • The main reasons stated for not having a household internet connection were Do not need internet (45%) and Lack of skills (43%). See table 1c.
  • In 2017, 81% of internet users used the internet in the three months prior to interview. See table 2a.
  • Finding information on goods and services (86%) was the most common activity carried out on the internet by individuals. The next most common activities selected were E-mail (85%), followed by Social networking (72%) and Internet banking (71%). See table 3a.
  • The most common types of goods or services purchased by internet users were Clothes or sports goods (44%). The next most common types of internet purchases were Holiday accommodation and Tickets for events, both at 37%, followed by Other travel arrangements at 36%. See table 4a.
  • 52% of internet users stated that they used storage space on the internet to store files electronically, an increase of seven percentage points on 2016 (45%). See table 5.

Households: Type of internet access used

In 2017, 89% of households have an internet connection, an increase of two percentage points on 2016 and 17 percentage points since 2010. Data for 2017 indicates that fixed broadband is the most common type of internet access in the household (84% compared with 49% using mobile broadband). Internet access via narrow broadband connection was just 1%. Note that more than one type of internet connection may be used in households. See tables 1a and 1b and figure 1.

Fixed broadband connection is highest in the Dublin region at 93%, compared with the Border and Midlands regions, both at 72%. Densely populated areas have fixed broadband penetration of 88%. See table 1b and figure 2.

In 2017, of the 11% of households with no internet access, 43% reported that this was due to a Lack of skills. Further barriers reported included Equipment costs too high (13%) and Access costs too high (10%), while 45% of households without internet access reported that this was because they Do not need internet. In the Midlands region, 17% of households with no internet access reported that internet access was Not available in the area, compared with 0% in the Dublin region. See table 1c.

Table 1(a) Households with internet access, 2010 to 2017
             % of households
           
  20102011201220132014201520162017
Desktop/portable computer permanently in the home%Unweighted sample%Unweighted sample%Unweighted sample%Unweighted sample%Unweighted sample%Unweighted sample%Unweighted sample%Unweighted sample
                  
State727,826786,3658110,0188210,283829,629859,150878,261897,885
Household composition
 1 adult, no dependent children421,478511,169551,714551,810561,731601,702661,631661,424
 2 adults no dependent children662,139721,727742,771782,686762,879812,475851,714861,609
 3 or more adults no dependent children851,214881,033901,576921,534941,624951,463871,295901,301
 1 adult with dependent children6140476336785008253286404883619353095494
 2 adults with dependent children871,945931,592952,551952,775962,205972,314982,487992,429
 3 or more adults with dependent children9064695508969069594695786968359760498628
Number of persons at work in the household
 0442,211561,906582,960613,036612,823632,419682,184681,954
 1752,705822,220853,506873,484853,230873,055892,742912,635
 2892,427931,871962,984953,158962,984973,058972,78298548
 3+93483973689856898605985929761898553992,748
Internet type
 Broadband1004,7571004,1161006,6861007,0721004,7351007,5431007,0671006,888
 Narrowband1006581007151001,1371001,1631002,91310012510082*28
 No internet02,25601,42101,96701,84001,72701,37801,0930953
 Unknown internet100155100113100228100208100121100104*19*16
Population
 Densely populated772,352832,174853,056863,301873,417893,267902,896922,895
 Intermediate populated731,836791,534812,596832,444832,009861,997891,893901,660
 Thinly populated673,638742,657784,366804,538784,203813,886833,472853,330
Region
 Border6087466602751,205751,154751,090839108298883875
 Midlands6644879321745938262680622845688549486398
 West7089079670828968197078877797318466284755
 Dublin781,642841,486862,132872,390882,642902,617912,383942,304
 Mid-East818438754587776861,062861,008871,0398957592846
 Mid-West7387477759791,085801,02580762867978778986682
 South-East651,08771902791,424811,301791,069809688584887937
 South-West701,168761,080781,907811,755801,559821,520861,522881,088
Note 1: Data are subject to sampling and other survey errors, which are relatively greater in respect of smaller values.
Note 2: Households represent all private households with at least one occupant aged 16-74.
Note 3: * Sample occurrence too small for estimation, i.e., less than 30.
Type of internet accessMobile broadbandFixed broadbandNarrowband connection
Border52.771.60.7
Midlands44.7720.3
West26.984.10.7
Dublin55.293.10.2
Mid-East60.582.70.5
Mid-West44.7820.1
South-East54.680.40.7
South-West35.983.30.7
Table 1(b) Households with internet access classified by type of internet access and characteristics of the household, 2017
   % of households
   Fixed broadband1Mobile broadband2Narrowband connection (either mobile or fixed)3Type of connection unknownUnweighted sample
        
State8449106,932
Household composition     
 1 adult, no dependent children 695210916
 2 adults no dependent children 8543101,373
 3 or more adults no dependent children 8449011,168
 1 adult with dependent children 765710467
 2 adults with dependent children 9049002,396
 3 or more adults with dependent children 885100612
Number of persons at work in the household     
 0 7546101,313
 1 8149002,397
 2 8950002,682
 3+ 915200540
Population     
 Densely populated 8850102,600
 Intermediate populated 8048101,683
 Thinly populated 7048302,885
Region     
 Border 725310718
 Midlands 724500341
 West 842710630
 Dublin 9355002,139
 Mid-East 836110769
 Mid-West 824500581
 South-East 805510809
 South-West 833611945
1Examples include e.g. DSL, ADSL, VDSL, cable, optical fibre, satellite, public Wi-Fi connections.
2Connection via mobile phone network with minimum 3G. e.g. UMTS, using (SIM) or USB key, mobile phone or smartphone as modem.
3Less than 3G, GPRS, dial-up access over older type telephone.
Note 1: Data are subject to sampling and other survey errors, which are relatively greater in respect of smaller values.
Note 2: Households represent all private households with at least one occupant aged 16-74.
Note 3: More than one type of internet access may be given by households.
Table 1(c) Households without internet access classified by reasons for not having household internet access, 2017
% of households without internet access
    Do not need internetLack of skills Equipment costs too highAccess costs too highAccess elsewhereNot available in the areaPrivacy security concernsOtherUnweighted sample
             
State454313109759953
Household composition         
 1 adult, no dependent children 494511119547508
 2 adults no dependent children 514710877710236
 3 or more adults no dependent children 4244106105412133
 1 adult with dependent children ********27
 2 adults with dependent children [13][19][22][15][14][31][7][26]33
 3 or more adults with dependent children ********16
Number of persons at work in the household         
 0  474813105468641
 1  433512121511410238
 2  3626148221721166
 3+  ********8
Population         
 Densely populated  384311148059238
 Intermediate populated  41421811130515179
 Thinly populated  504312891257536
Region         
 Border  49391610106313157
 Midlands  6250282281712257
 West  6045235925125
 Dublin  3243131390410165
 Mid-East  43422211141071277
 Mid-West  52341066746101
 South-East  404066154410128
 South-West  354912139869143
             
Note 1: Data are subject to sampling and other survey errors, which are relatively greater in respect of smaller values.
Note 2: Households represent all private households with at least one occupant aged 16-74.
Note 3: More than one reason may have been given by respondents.
Note 4: * Sample occurrence too small for estimation, i.e., less than 30.
Note 5: Figures in parentheses [ ] indicate percentages based on small numbers (sample size 30 to 49), and are, therefore, subject to a wide margin of error.

Individuals: Frequency of use of the internet

In 2017, an estimated 81% of individuals used the internet in the 3 months prior to the interview. 95% of individuals in the 16-29 years age group used the internet within the last 3 months, compared with 48% of individuals in the 60-74 years age category. 96% of Students used the internet within the previous 3 months, while 91% of households with two or more persons at work in the household used the internet within the last 3 months. 46% of individuals in the 60-74 years age group have never used the internet. More female than males used the internet with the previous 3 months - 83% compared with 79% of males. This follows the same trend as in previous years. See table 2a and figure 3.

A greater percentage of households with dependent children used the internet within the previous 3 months when compared with households with no dependent children - close to nine and over of every ten households with dependent children used the internet within the last 3 months. See table 2a.

Seven out of every ten internet users used the internet every day while nearly one tenth (9%) used the internet at least once a week but not every day. Daily usage of the internet has increased nine percentage points since 2013. In 2017, 94% of Students accessed the internet on a daily basis, compared with 32% of internet users who are Retired. See table 2b.

Of the 16-29 years age category, 92% accessed the internet every day, compared with 31% of the 60-74 years age group. Over half (52%) of internet users in the latter age category did not use the internet within the 3 months prior to interview. By comparison, 84% of individuals in the 30-44 years age group accessed the internet every day, as in 2016 also, but an increase of five percentage points when compared with the same age cohort in 2015. See table 2b.

In the Dublin region, 79% of individuals accessed the internet every day, an increase of two percentage points on 2016. These figures compare with 57% of individuals in the Border region accessing the internet on a daily basis in 2017. See table 2b.

Frequency of useUsed within last 3 monthsUsed but not in the last 3 monthsNever used the internet
201781.22.815.9
201682.23.414.9
201580.13.416.5
Table 2(a) Individuals' use of the internet classified by broad frequency of use, 2011 to 2017
                       % of individuals
    Used within last 3 months  Used but not in the last 3 months  Never used the internet 
    2011201220132014201520162017 2011201220132014201520162017 2011201220132014201520162017
 
State75777880808281 4544333 21181816171516
Sex
 Male  73777878798179 3544333 23181818181617
 Female  76777981818383 4544433 19181715151414
Age group
 16-29  93929396959695 4432211 3352324
 30-44  87899092929493 3443312 10765545
 45-59  65707674757679 4656444 31241920212017
 60-74  38404643455248 5756676 58534951494146
Principal economic status
 At work  84888888898989 3333222 149910999
 Unemployed  74737676767679 5868463 21191816191918
 Student  97949899999996 1311001 1420113
 Home duties  57636664647069 6857654 37302929302527
 Retired  43504952516049 6776777 51434442423344
 Other  51505150535760 7889667 43424141413733
Region
 Border  64727073777575 7665454 28222422192121
 Midland  74697677788081 2553323 25271919191817
 West  74757575757676 3545353 23202120222021
 Dublin  81828587868787 4643323 15131110111010
 Mid-East  81848083828478 2332223 17131715171420
 Mid-West  72747679808382 3645433 25202116161415
 South-East  69737575768282 4546433 28222220191515
 South-West  73757876778080 4645432 23201920201717
Type of household internet connection
 Broadband  89909191919191 2323222 9877777
 Narrowband  85858685908492 4546233 121110108136
 No internet  20181919131414 11161311101010 69676970777776
 Unknown internet  39514045333124 2677520 58445349636976
Household composition
 1 adult, no dependent children 59626065636864 5676554 36323429322732
 2 adults no dependent children 68707474737575 4534444 28252422232020
 3 or more adults no dependent children 77787980827980 2444333 21181716151818
 1 adult with dependent children 81818489879190 111285534 8786966
 2 adults with dependent children 87899092939391 3443321 10765468
 3 or more adults with dependent children 80838285878686 3553322 17131312111212
Number of persons at work in the household
 0  57565862596559 6876776 36363532352836
 1  75798181828383 4544333 21161515151414
 2  87899091929191 2332212 10887688
 3+  87888887909191 2323111 1191011987
                           
Note 1: Data are subject to sampling and other survey errors, which are relatively greater in respect of smaller values.
Note 2: Individuals represent all individuals aged 16-74 who use the internet.
Table 2(b) Individuals' use of the internet classified by detailed frequency of use, 2013 to 2017
 % of individuals
  Every day  At least once a week (but not every day) At least once a month (but not every week) Didn't use in last 3 months
20132014201520162017 20132014201520162017 20132014201520162017 20132014201520162017
 
State 6165677070 141211109 33332 2221201819
Sex
 Male 6164666969 13121198 43332 2221211921
 Female 6266687071 141211109 34233 2119191717
Age group
 16-29 7986909292 127443 22111 84545
 30-44 7477798484 14121197 33212 108867
 45-59 5754565963 1415151313 55444 2426252421
 60-74 2826293231 1412121312 44475 5457554852
Principal economic status
 At work 7274767980 13111198 33222 1212111111
 Unemployed 5656616165 161613119 45344 2424242421
 Student 9194989694 64122 11000 21114
 Home duties 4645475251 1715141314 35354 3436363031
 Retired 2934343732 1615131512 44575 5148494151
 Other 3331404047 13139129 57355 4950474340
Region
 Border5155605757 1513141312 56456 3027232525
Midland6064666766 131071013 34532 2423232019
West5760596165 1413131310 42322 2525252424
Dublin7174767779 1210876 23232 1513141313
 Mid-East6365687265 141412910 34233 2017191622
Mid-West5861646968 1313131111 45334 2421201718
 South-East5461627073 16111297 53232 2625241818
South-West 6162656872 141110107 33222 2224242020
Type of internet connection
Broadband 7375777777 1513121111 33333 999910
Narrowband 6367706971 1816151417 62544 141510158
No internet 109788 66443 35223 8181878686
Unknown internet 222620** 141412** 451** 605567**
Household composition
 1 adult, no dependent children 4450515352 121110119 44243 4035373236
 2 adults no dependent children 5859606060 1212101111 43344 2626272525
 3 or more adults no dependent children 6469726971 128986 43232 2120182120
 1 adult with dependent children 6274748079 181312109 45123 161113910
 2 adults with dependent children 7274798181 16141299 33322 108779
 3 or more adults with dependent children 6470717477 15121298 44332 1815131414
Number of persons at work in the household
 0 3944454943 1513111210 45355 4238423542
 1 6365677071 1513121110 33332 1919181717
 2 7579808182 11101087 32221 1098910
 3+7375808383 129767 33211 12131099
Note 1: Data are subject to sampling and other survey errors, which are relatively greater in respect of smaller values.
Note 2: Individuals represent all individuals aged 16-74 who use the internet.
Note 3: * Sample occurrence too small for estimation, i.e., less than 30.

Individuals: Internet access away from home or work by type of device used

Mobile phones or smartphones were used to access the internet away from home or work by 87% of individuals in 2017, either via the mobile phone network and/or via the wireless network. The most common form of accessing the internet by mobile phone or smartphone when away from home or work was via the mobile phone network (74%), access via the wireless network (such as Wi-Fi) was 66%. On the other hand, when using a portable computer (such as laptop, tablet, etc.) to access the internet away from home or work, access via the wireless network was most common - 45% compared with just 12% via the mobile phone network. Note that more than one option may have been selected by respondents. See table 2c.

Just 8% of internet users did not access the internet via any mobile device when away from home or work. See table 2c.

Table 2(c) Individuals who recently used the internet (in the last 3 months) away from home or work classified by type of device used, 2017
           % of individuals
 Mobile phone (or smartphone)Mobile phone (or smartphone) via mobile phone networkMobile phone (or smartphone) via wireless network Portable computer1Portable computer via mobile phone networkPortable computer via wireless network Other devices Didn't access the internet via mobile device away from home or workUnweighted sample
State877466 481245 9 86,022
Sex            
Male887567 501347 12 82,347
Female867265 471143 7 93,675
Age group            
16-29978474 511347 13 2729
30-44927971 501246 10 52,243
45-59816761 461042 7 121,810
60-74584743 441139 4 261,240
Principal economic status            
At work907969 501346 10 63,642
b Unemployed866364 441537 8 9339
Student978274 611358 15 1275
Home duties786257 37834 4 14821
Retired564443 43939 5 28708
Other786259 40737 5 14237
Region            
Border867461 451639 5 8589
Midlands866846 331524 4 12352
West826867 551750 4 8531
Dublin928380 56954 14 51,866
Mid-East827557 38736 10 13636
Mid-West826969 551152 12 12512
South-East877054 351331 6 7746
South-West876560 521346 8 8790
Household composition            
1 Adult no dependent children796756 441239 8 13905
2 Adults no dependent children786860 511346 9 131,212
3 or more adults no dependent children887871 511148 10 8972
1 Adult with dependent children927762 321229 8 6422
2 Adults with dependent children907569 521248 10 62,044
3 or more adults with dependent children927769 451241 8 6467
Number of persons at work in the household            
No persons at work in the household766056 401135 6 161,237
One person at work in the household857063 461242 8 92,023
Two persons at work in the household918071 531349 12 52,293
Three or more persons at work in the household928474 531150 10 6469
1Examples include laptop, tablet, etc.
Note 1: Data are subject to sampling and other survey errors, which are relatively greater in respect of smaller values.
Note 2: Individuals represent all individuals aged 16-74 who used the internet in the last 3 months.
Note 3: More than one type of device used may have been given by respondents.

Individuals: Internet activities

Of the internet activities surveyed in 2017, the most popular activity was Finding information on goods and services (86%). The next most common internet activity was E-mail (85%), followed by Social networking at 72%. Internet banking was used by over seven out of every ten (71%) users of the internet in the previous 3 months. See table 3a.

Online activities analysed by age group shows that Finding information on goods and services and E-mail (sending/receiving e-mails) were the top two activities carried out by all age groups over 30 years of age. Those aged 30 to 44 reported the highest use of E-mail at 89%, while 75% of the 60-74 years age group used E-mail. Almost eight out of every ten (79%) internet users in the 60-74 years age group used the internet in the previous 3 months in Finding information on goods and services. See table 3a.

Individuals aged 16 to 29 years were more likely to engage in online leisure or recreation activities, such as Social networking (93%) and Uploading self-created content (70%), when compared to other age groups. See table 3a. .

Nearly half (47%) of internet users whose principal economic status is Unemployed used the internet in the previous 3 months in Looking for a job or sending a job application. Over one fifth of Students (22%) used the internet for the same purpose. Over one in five (22%) of internet users whose principal economic status was At work used the internet in Participating in professional networks (such as LinkedIn, etc.). See table 3a.

Table 3(a) Individuals who recently used the internet (in the last 3 months) classified by types of internet activities, 2017
    % of individuals
 Finding information on goods and servicesE-mail1Social networking2Internet bankingReading or downloading online newsServices related to travel Uploading self created content3Internet telephoning/ video callsSeeking health related information
 
State868572716552494846
Sex
Male868469716852474939
Female858576716252504853
Age group
16-29868693676649706045
30-44888979806959525450
45-59858158696250343544
60-74797536555742213340
Principal economic status
At work888873816961495148
Unemployed807772475526433837
Student878893586743716143
Home duties827471565542444149
Retired807933576246203442
Other746473475029353148
Region
Border847668684537343832
Midland837477586634513840
West879071717459455049
Dublin888977787560516049
Mid-East828269676348515148
Mid-West918569706451584554
South-East838074685452524142
South-West868869706254453947
Type of household Internet connection
Broadband868573726653494947
Narrowband787027562425102343
No internet756451353823201522
Unknown internet000000000
Household composition
1 adult, no dependent children888462686348384343
2 adults no dependent children868563726958414747
3 or more adults no dependent children878577727056595444
1 adult with dependent children837783575440554246
2 adults with dependent children878774756753485050
3 or more adults with dependent children788181665344534639
Number of persons at work in the household
0797263495633364141
1878471686148464546
2879075817161515249
3+878682786962655843
1Sending/receiving e-mails.
2Examples include creating user profiles, posting messages or other contributions to Facebook, Twitter, etc.
2Includes uploading text, photos, music, videos, software, etc. to any website to be shared.
Note 1: Data are subject to sampling and other survey errors, which are relatively greater in respect of smaller values.
Note 2: Individuals represent all individuals aged 16-74 who used the internet in the previous 3 months.
           
Table 3(a) contd. Individuals who recently used the internet (in the last 3 months) classified by types of internet activities, 2017
    % of individuals
 Selling of goods or servicesBuying or renewing existing insurance policiesParticipating in professional networks4Looking for a job or sending a job applicationPosting opinions on civic or political issues via websitesMaking appointment with health practitionerTaking part in online consultations or voting on civic or political issuesBuying or selling of investment services5Arranging credit with financial institutions6
 
State2318171499622
Sex
Male2519201697622
Female20171413810511
Age group
16-2926131926128712
30-44272421141010623
45-59191813877521
60-7410116346201
Principal economic status
At work2624221299622
Unemployed15884796411
Student24815221387.1
Home duties16134968311
Retired10124246310
Other1966486511
Region
Border14127942210
Midland172171375313
West34151117712411
Dublin232329171112832
Mid-East2614121275500
Mid-West1717141268524
South-East29221114138615
South-West1816141597621
Type of household internet connection
Broadband2320171499622
Narrowband1145244000
No internet8741612100
Unknown internet000000000
Household composition
1 adult, no dependent children2016191477522
2 adults no dependent children2022181199722
3 or more adults no dependent children22162020108511
1 adult with dependent children21129181110403
2 adults with dependent children2622171299622
3 or more adults with dependent children191291576511
Number of persons at work in the household
016761688411
12118151588512
2262422121010722
3+24181817107412
4Examples include creating user profiles, posting messages or other contributions to LinkedIn, etc.
5Includes buying or selling shares, bonds, funds or other investment services.
6Includes taking a loan or mortgage or arranging credit from banks or other financial providers.
Note 1: Data are subject to sampling and other survey errors, which are relatively greater in respect of smaller values.
Note 2: Individuals represent all individuals aged 16-74 who used the internet in the previous 3 months.

Individuals: Use of e-Government

In 2017, over half of internet users (51%) Obtained information from websites or apps of public authorities or public services, while 45% Downloaded or printed official forms from their websites or apps. Submitting completed forms online was carried out by nearly two thirds (63%) of internet users, an increase of five percentage points on 2016, Nearly three quarters (73%) of internet users in the 30-44 years age group submitted completed forms online. This figure compares with 47% of internet users in the 16-29 years age category - 72% of internet users in this age group who did not submit any completed official forms online cited the reason Did not have to submit official forms at all. See tables 3b and 3c.

For 23% of internet users, another person such as a consultant, tax adviser, relative or family member filled it in on their behalf, while 7% said that they found the process too complicated and cited Lack of skills or knowledge. See table 3c.

Table 3(b) Individuals' contact over the internet with public authorities and public services in the last 12 months, 2016 to 2017
% of individuals
 Obtaining information from websites or apps Downloading/printing official forms Submitting completed forms online Unweighted sample 2017
 201620172016201720162017
State4951 4645 5863 6,135
Sex
Male5253 4846 60642,406
Female4649 4345 56623,729
Age group
16-293140 2936 3747732
30-445760 5454 67732,262
45-595452 5145 67681,843
60-745147 4439 57581,298
Principal economic status
At work5859 5553 70743,685
Unemployed3135 2430 3743345
Student2537 2434 2941276
Home duties3838 3432 4547837
Retired5447 4839 6258747
Other3836 3629 4241245
Region
Border4646 3639 5558602
Midlands4946 4639 5559358
West4752 4145 5162542
Dublin5457 5250 64671,901
Mid-East5254 5152 6166652
Mid-West4754 4143 5164520
South-East4953 4750 5762757
South-West3839 3834 5560803
Type of household internet connection
 Broadband5055 4749 61686,002
 Narrowband58* 52* 53*24
 No internet2931 2720 3033109
 Unknown internet** ** **0
Household composition
1 Adult no dependent children4952 4444 5663926
2 Adults no dependent children5654 5048 65671,249
3 or more adults no dependent children4151 4044 4957987
1 Adult with dependent children3844 3636 4649430
2 Adults with dependent children5453 5148 64702,069
3 or more adults with dependent children3943 3741 4955474
Number of persons at work in the household
No persons at work in the household3534 3030 39421,283
One person at work in the household4751 4344 56622,062
Two persons at work in the household5858 5751 70742,316
 Three or more persons at work in the household4753 4448 5662 474
Note 1: Data are subject to sampling and other survey errors, which are relatively greater in respect of smaller values.
Note 2: Individuals represent all individuals aged 16-74 who used the internet in the previous 12 months.
Note 3: Contacts through manually typed e-mails are excluded.
Note 4: Respondents may have selected more than one option.
Note 5: * Sample occurrence too small for estimation, i.e., less than 30.           
Table 3(c) Individuals who did not submit completed official forms online by their reasons for not doing so, 2016 to 2017
                % of individuals
 Did not have to submit official forms at all No such website service available Lack of skills or knowledge Concerns about protection/security of personal data Another person did it on my behalf1 Other reasonUnweighted sample 2017
 20162017 20162017 20162017 20162017 20162017 20162017
State4449 11 67 35 2523 22152,162
Sex
Male4549 11 67 26 2322 2417780
Female4349 11 78 45 2824 20141,382
Age group
16-296472 11 22 12 149 1913354
30-444147 11 57 36 2721 2318632
45-592531 01 1113 37 3637 2515602
60-741923 01 1513 910 3941 2119574
Principal economic status
At work3946 12 76 35 2925 2316935
Unemployed5348 01 610 18 1914 2122181
Student6778 11 00 10 1110 199141
Home duties3137 11 811 46 3731 2017445
Retired1926 01 1513 1011 3338 2617323
Other4650 00 1011 17 2121 2416137
Region
Border3437 01 1210 43 3030 2122265
Midlands3343 11 1412 711 1814 3120129
West5158 12 68 35 1916 2012202
Dublin5561 21 56 35 2319 1410599
Mid-East3351 01 34 16 2824 3615202
Mid-West5450 13 612 26 2020 1911189
South-East4136 00 35 37 3030 2324264
South-West3642 11 56 33 3230 2416312
Household composition
1 Adult no dependent children4448 12 1313 37 1214 2919372
2 Adults no dependent children3135 23 1112 67 3329 2116447
3 or more adults no dependent children5857 01 34 35 1918 1717407
1 Adult with dependent children5456 11 77 24 1116 2618186
2 Adults with dependent children3549 11 46 25 3928 2112559
3 or more adults with dependent children5248 10 45 42 2128 2014191
Number of persons at work in the household
No persons at work in the household4644 01 812 36 1921 2419696
One person at work in the household4347 12 77 37 2624 2215736
Two persons at work in the household4053 11 55 33 3325 1813568
 Three or more persons at work in the household5060 10 22 34 2220 2416162
1Examples include consultant, tax adviser, relative, family member, etc.
Note 1: Data are subject to sampling and other survey errors, which are relatively greater in respect of smaller values.
Note 2: Individuals represent all individuals aged 16-74 who used the internet in the previous 12 months.
Note 3: Respondents may have selected more than one option.

Individuals: Shared economy

In 2017, internet users were asked if they had used any website or app to arrange accommodation (such as a room, apartment, house, holiday cottage, etc.) or transport service (such as car, etc.) from another private individual in the previous twelve months. Over one fifth (21%) said that they had arranged accommodation from another private individual via a dedicated website or app, such as AIRBNB, while 10% had arranged accommodation in such a way via other websites or apps (including social networks such as Facebook, etc.). Nearly three quarters (74%) had not arranged accommodation online from another private individual in the previous twelve months. See table 3d.

Nearly one fifth (19%) of internet users had used a dedicated website or app (such as UBER, HAILO, etc.) to arrange a transport service from another private individual in the previous twelve months. Just 4% had done so via other websites or apps (including social networks such as Facebook, etc.). Nearly four fifths (79%) had not arranged a transport service online from another private individual in the last twelve months. See table 3d.

Table 3(d) Individuals who used any website or app to arrange accommodation or transport service from another private individual in the last 12 months, 20171
         % of individuals
   Arranged accommodation2 from another private individual online Arranged transport5 from another private individual online  
   Via dedicated website or app3Via other website or app4Did not use any website or app Via dedicated website or app6Via other website or app4Did not use any website or app Unweighted sample
 
State211074 19479 6,135
Sex
Male 211174 20478 2,406
Female 21974 17480 3,729
Age group
16-29 191076 27471 732
30-44 251269 22576 2,262
45-59 20976 12387 1,843
60-74 12683 6292 1,298
Principal economic status
At work 261269 23575 3,685
Unemployed 10785 9588 345
Student 12784 23175 276
Home duties 17879 7291 837
Retired 13683 6392 747
Other 12586 9388 245
Region
Border 15680 8289 602
Midlands 16680 7193 358
West 281466 23873 542
Dublin 241270 35564 1,901
Mid-East 20678 10090 652
Mid-West 251665 19380 520
South-East 161080 6591 757
South-West 18878 10486 803
Type of household internet connection
 Broadband 221073 18480 6,002
 Narrowband *** *** 24
 No internet 9589 8292 109
 Unknown internet *** *** 0
Household composition
1 Adult no dependent children 211076 19479 926
2 Adults no dependent children 241270 22576 1,249
3 or more adults no dependent children 231271 29570 987
1 Adult with dependent children 12585 10388 430
2 Adults with dependent children 211073 14384 2,069
3 or more adults with dependent children 17779 17380 474
Number of persons at work in the household
No persons at work in the household 11685 10287 1,283
One person at work in the household 19977 15383 2,062
Two persons at work in the household 251269 21477 2,316
 Three or more persons at work in the household 251369 33665 474
1Respondents may have selected more than one option.
2Examples include room, apartment, house, holiday cottage, etc
3Examples include AIRBNB, etc.
4Includes social networks such as Facebook, etc.
5Examples include car, etc.
6Examples include UBER , HAILO, etc.
Note 1: Data are subject to sampling and other survey errors, which are relatively greater in respect of smaller values.               
Note 2: Individuals represent all individuals aged 16-74 who used the internet in the previous 12 months.               
Note 3: * Sample occurrence too small for estimation, i.e., less than 30.

Individuals: Internet purchases

Clothes or sports goods were the most popular online purchase in 2017, purchased by 44% of individuals. The next most common types of internet purchases made by individuals in the last twelve months (prior to interview) were Tickets for events and Holiday accommodation, both at 37%, followed closely by Other travel arrangements at 36%. See table 4a and figure 4.

There are clear differences between age groups in the types of goods and services bought online. The largest difference was for Clothes or sports goods, with 57% of individuals aged 16 to 29 years purchasing these, compared with 14% of those aged 60 to 74. See table 4a.

Over half of those living in households where two or more persons were at work, bought Clothes or sports goods, while nearly half (47%) of such individuals bought Tickets for events online. See table 4a.

Nearly half of all persons who purchased online in the previous twelve months, whose principal economic status was At work, used the internet to buy or order Holiday accommodation and Other travel arrangements (such as travel tickets, car hire, etc.). See table 4a.

Type of online purchaseType of online purchase
Clothes,sports goods43.5
Tickets for events37.1
Holiday accommodation36.6
Other travel arrangements36.4
Household goods21.4
Telecommunication services18.7
Books,magazines,newspapers17.4
Electronic equipment17.3
Films,music15.3
Video games,software,software upgrades9.5
Food, Groceries7.7
Computer hardware3.5
E-learning material3.2
Medicine1.3
Other8.0
Table 4(a) Individuals that use the internet classified by types of purchases made online during the last 12 months, 2017
    % of individuals
   Clothes or sports goodsHoliday accommodation Other travel arrangements1Tickets for events Household goodsTelecommunication servicesElectronic equipment2 Books, magazines and newspapers3E-books4E-magazines/ e-newspapers4
              
State4437 3637 211917 1772
Sex             
Male 3636 3736 202224 1772
Female 5137 3638 231611 1872
Age group             
16-29 5731 3446 172022 1673
30-44 5147 4643 312420 2082
45-59 3334 3230 171614 1662
60-74 1421 2315 1087 1452
Principal economic status             
At work 4846 4544 252320 2092
Unemployed 2815 1614 13914 1121
Student 5722 2846 101622 1763
Home duties 4028 2626 271310 1451
Retired 1423 2415 888 1562
Other 1914 1314 1689 721
Region             
Border 3826 2428 191211 1241
Midland 4328 2029 182711 1131
West 5040 4037 221720 1972
Dublin 4641 4545 252522 2083
Mid-East 4033 2935 181211 1662
Mid-West 4238 3835 121720 1493
South-East 4032 3329 201817 1551
South-West 4642 3940 251417 21102
Type of household internet connection             
Broadband 4437 3738 221918 1872
Narrowband 1915 211 18.10 510
No internet 1411 139 203 610
Unknown internet 00 00 000 000
Household composition             
1 adult, no dependent children 2628 2926 141714 1472
2 adults no dependent children 3643 4237 171818 1882
3 or more adults no dependent children 4737 3944 131721 1873
1 adult with dependent children 4621 2031 241711 1541
2 adults with dependent children 5142 4141 312218 2082
3 or more adults with dependent children 4426 2728 181714 1142
Number of persons at work in the household             
0 2315 1616 13911 1041
1 4034 3333 201816 1862
2 5347 4747 272420 2193
3+ 5239 4047 161821 1672
              
1Includes travel tickets, car hire, etc. Excludes holiday accommodation.
2Includes cameras, audio-visual equipment, etc.
3Includes all online purchases of books, magazines and newspaperse-books. Includes e-books, e-magazines and e-newspapers downloaded or accessed from websites or apps.
4Downloaded or accessed from websites or apps
Note 1: Data are subject to sampling and other survey errors, which are relatively greater in respect of smaller values.
Note 2: Individuals represent all individuals aged 16-74 who made purchases online in the last 12 months.
Note 3: More than one type of purchase may be given by respondents.
Table 4(a) contd. Individuals that use the internet classified by types of purchases made online during the last 12 months, 2017 
              % of individuals 
   Films/music5Films/music downloaded or accessed from websites/apps Video games, software and software upgrades6Computer software7 downloaded or accessed from websites/apps  Food and GroceriesComputer hardwareE-learning material MedicineOther
           
State1512 105 843 18
Sex            
Male 1714 127 753 19
Female 1411 72 923 17
Age group            
16-29 2016 137 854 17
30-44 1915 125 1144 29
45-59 118 64 632 18
60-74 53 21 222 18
Principal economic status            
At work 1815 105 1043 29
Unemployed 75 106 422 27
Student 2015 138 465 .6
Home duties 97 82 823 17
Retired 43 31 221 07
Other 98 73 431 38
Region            
Border 96 104 423 19
Midland 85 61 723 09
West 1614 117 853 27
Dublin 2117 126 1243 17
Mid-East 1411 74 623 19
Mid-West 129 73 344 19
South-East 128 84 743 310
South-West 1513 93 653 18
Type of household internet connection            
Broadband 1612 105 843 18
Narrowband 73 00 000 04
No internet 63 10 201 03
Unknown internet 00 00 000 00
Household composition            
1 adult, no dependent children 1310 73 623 19
2 adults no dependent children 1412 64 734 19
3 or more adults no dependent children 1815 104 642 17
1 adult with dependent children 118 94 633 17
2 adults with dependent children 1713 126 1144 28
3 or more adults with dependent children 139 126 633 16
Number of persons at work in the household           
0 76 84 432 16
1 1411 94 743 28
2 1915 115 1144 19
3+ 1815 95 523 19
               
5Films/music downloaded or accessed from websites or apps.
6Includes computer software downloaded or accessed from websites or apps.
7Includes computer and video games and software upgrades.
Note 1: Data are subject to sampling and other survey errors, which are relatively greater in respect of smaller values.
Note 2: Individuals represent all individuals aged 16-74 who made purchases online in the last 12 months.
Note 3: More than one type of purchase may be given by respondents.

Individuals: Problems encountered when purchasing online

Nearly four fifths (79%) of persons who made purchases online in the previous twelve months did not experience any problems. One in ten stated that Speed of delivery was an issue, while 7% cited Technical failure of the website and 6% stated that the Foreign retailer did not sell to Ireland. Just 2% of respondents cited Problems with fraudulent activity while 3% of individuals had problems with Wrong or damaged goods/services delivered. See table 4b.

Table 4(b) Individuals who made purchases online in the last 12 months classified by problems encountered when buying online, 2017
% of individuals
Problems encountered
 Speed of deliveryTechnical failure of the website1Foreign retailer did not sell to IrelandPoor customer serviceWrong or damaged goods/services deliveredFinal costs higher than indicatedPoor information re guarantees/other legal rightsProblems with fraudulent activityOtherNo problems encountered
             
State 107643322179
Sex
Male 118744322178
Female 96543322279
Age group
16-29 105742322180
30-44 118644332176
45-59 88553223280
60-74 56332222284
Principal economic status
At work 108644322177
Unemployed 138342110.80
Student 94633313182
Home duties 96433221281
Retired 53441332482
Other 98464254176
Region
Border 610111122184
Midland 7324311.186
West 1110634233075
Dublin 119854432176
Mid-East 74232211186
Mid-West 106656224175
South-East 93331223181
South-West 116863212377
Type of household internet connection
Broadband 107643322179
Narrowband 130000002086
No internet 115044043272
Unknown internet 0000000000
Household composition
1 adult, no dependent children 810654332276
2 adults no dependent children77633232280
3 or more adults no dependent children107753222177
1 adult with dependent children155564322176
2 adults with dependent children117543322179
3 or more adults with dependent children76422311283
Number of persons at work in the household
0 94543123182
1 107553322278
2 108644322178
 3+ 85742323078
1During ordering or payment.
Note 1: Data are subject to sampling and other survey errors, which are relatively greater in respect of smaller values.
Note 2: Individuals represent all individuals aged 16-74 who made purchases online in the last 12 months.
Note 3: More than one reason may be given by respondents.

Individuals: Number of internet purchases and origin of seller

The number of purchases made online in 2017 has increased when compared with the same period in 2016. Over one quarter (26%) of individuals purchased online six or more times in the previous three months, an increase of four percentage points on 2016. Between six and ten internet purchases were made by 17% of persons, while 9% purchased eleven times or more over the internet. Over four in ten (41%) had made three to five online purchases, as in 2016. This compares with 33% of individuals purchasing only once or twice online, a fall of five percentage points on 2016. See Table 4c.

Over two thirds (67%) of persons who bought or ordered goods or services online in the previous twelve months used Sellers from other EU countries, an increase of nine percentage points on the same period in 2016. Internet purchasing from Sellers from the rest of the world also increased in 2017 - 30% compared with 23% of persons buying online in 2016. Online purchasing from National sellers still remains by far the most common with nearly three quarters (74%) of persons buying or ordering their goods or services from National sellers. This represents a fall of five percentage points on the corresponding figure for 2016 (79%). See table 4d and figure 5.

In 2017, individuals who bought or ordered goods or services online in the previous twelve months from Sellers from other EU countries and/or from Sellers from the rest of the world were asked about the types of goods or services that they bought or ordered online. Note that respondents may have selected more than one option. Three quarters (75%) purchased physical goods such as electronics, clothes, toys, food, groceries, books, CDs/DVDs, etc. while 54% made holiday arrangements including travel accommodation. Nearly one third (31%) downloaded or accessed from websites or apps such products as films, music, apps, games, e-books, e-newspapers, etc. See table 4e.

Table 4(c) Individuals who purchased over the internet in the last 3 months classified by number of purchases made in this period, 2016 to 2017
         % of individuals
 Number of internet purchases made Unweighted sample
1 to 2 3 to 5 6 to 10 More than 10
20162017 20162017 20162017 20162017
 
State 3833 4141 1417 89 3,033
Sex
Male 3833 4142 1317 88 1,114
Female 3733 4241 1417 79 1,919
Age group
16-29 4632 4045 1117 37 490
30-44 3231 4340 1518 1110 1,389
45-59 3836 4139 1416 89 803
60-74 4344 4038 1314 54 351
Principal economic status
At work 3431 4342 1418 99 2,094
Unemployed 4844 2437 2212 68 120
Student 5333 3545 915 37 187
Home duties 3838 4339 1414 59 366
Retired 4442 3939 1115 63 193
Other 3938 4126 827 1210 73
Region
Border 3937 4541 1116 66 249
Midland 4243 3536 1310 1011 179
West 3735 4940 1117 47 280
Dublin 3328 4241 1621 1010 990
Mid-East 3840 3838 1814 69 280
Mid-West 4630 3643 1216 611 238
South-East 3638 4739 1118 65 378
South-West 4331 3846 1014 810 439
Type of household internet connection
Broadband 3833 4141 1417 89 3,006
Narrowband ** ** ** ** 5
Unknown internet ** ** ** ** 22
No internet 00 00 00 00 0
Household composition
1 adult, no dependent children 3738 3937 2014 511 348
2 adults no dependent children 4032 3843 1218 107 515
3 or more adults no dependent children 4333 4044 1317 47 471
1 adult with dependent children 3838 4238 1217 87 224
2 adults with dependent children 3531 4341 1317 911 1,237
3 or more adults with dependent children 3734 4638 1221 56 238
Number of persons at work in the household
0 4643 3633 1317 67 368
1 3932 4144 1416 79 999
2 3632 4341 1618 69 1,408
3+ 3532 4342 1319 97 258
Note 1: Data are subject to sampling and other survey errors, which are relatively greater in respect of smaller values.
Note 2: Individuals represent all individuals aged 16-74 who made purchases online in the previous 3 months.
Note 3: * Sample occurrence too small for estimation, i.e., less than 30.
Country of origin/residence of sellerNational sellersSellers from other EU countrySellers from rest of worldUnknown origin
20177467304
20167958234
Table 4(d) Individuals who bought or ordered goods or services online in the last 12 months by origin1 of seller, 2016 to 2017
           % of individuals
 National sellers Sellers from other EU countries Sellers from the rest of the world Country of origin of seller is unknown Unweighted sample 2017
 20162017 20162017 20162017 20162017 
State7974 5867 2330 44 3,678
 Sex             
 Male7974 6067 2633 45 1,380
 Female8075 5666 2128 44 2,298
Age group             
 16-297368 5568 2132 56 572
 30-448276 6069 2432 44 1,633
 45-598079 6064 2526 44 1,003
 60-748076 5460 2223 45 470
Principal economic status             
 At work8277 6369 2432 34 2,495
 Unemployed7457 5359 1934 33 162
 Student6965 5164 2227 58 213
 Home duties7872 4863 1826 64 439
 Retired7982 5660 2721 43 272
 Other7282 4367 2031 38 97
Region             
 Border9181 5848 2316 02 307
 Midlands8575 4259 1318 25 220
 West7876 4756 1525 16 346
 Dublin7976 6477 2639 56 1,207
 Mid-East7372 5362 2225 42 357
 Mid-West8275 6370 2633 35 293
 South-East7873 6164 2635 43 445
 South-West7569 5768 2127 63 503
Type of household Internet connection             
 Broadband8074 5967 2330 44 3,640
 Narrowband81* 63* 30* 8* 8
 No internet[78][76] [43][59] [17][20] [2][5] 30
 Unknown internet00 00 00 00 0
Household composition             
 1 adult, no dependent children7971 6068 2833 33 428
 2 adults no dependent children8179 6070 2433 43 649
 3 or more adults no dependent children7972 5972 2134 45 578
 1 adult with dependent children7571 4957 1821 57 273
 2 adults with dependent children8176 5965 2229 35 1,472
 3 or more adults with dependent children7470 5665 2629 65 278
Number of persons at work in the household         
 07468 4961 2027 56 492
 17871 5662 2330 45 1,212
 28278 6270 2430 33 1,668
 3+7975 6274 2635 47 306
1Country of origin/residence of seller.
Note 1: Data are subject to sampling and other survey errors, which are relatively greater in respect of smaller values.
Note 2: Individuals represent all individuals aged 16-74 who use the internet.
Note 3: * Sample occurrence too small for estimation, i.e., less than 30.
Note 4: Figures in parentheses [ ] indicate percentages based on small numbers (sample size 30 to 49), and are, therefore, subject to a wide margin of error.
Table 4(e) Individuals who bought or ordered goods or services online from sellers from other EU countries or from the rest of the world by type of purchase, 2017 
% of individuals 
 Physical goods1Products downloaded or accessed from websites or apps2Travel accomodation or holiday arrangements3Other services4Unweighted sample
State753154302,689
 Gender     
 Male733856301,039
 Female762651311,650
Age group
 16-2977384435444
 30-44763159281,221
 45-5972265628712
 60-7459225924312
Principal economic status
 At work743260301,860
 Unemployed81173320117
 Student82433943166
 Home duties72204725306
 Retired60205630177
 Other7434252263
Region
 Border60264926157
 Midlands76195127146
 West74315941216
 Dublin75416130989
 Mid-East74183926257
 Mid-West82436143216
 South-East77204934333
 South-West73254520375
Household composition
 1 Adult no dependent children69365631310
 2 Adults no dependent children71326331490
 3 or more adults no dependent children75425839441
 1 Adult with dependent children79223223174
 2 Adults with dependent children752854281,071
 3 or more adults with dependent children84203522203
Number of persons at work in the household
 No persons at work in the household75263826327
 One person at work in the household75315327873
 Two persons at work in the household753157311,255
 Three or more persons at work in the household75385538234
1Examples include electronics, clothes, toys, food, groceries, books, CDs/DVDs, etc.
2Examples include films, music, apps, games, e-books, e-newspapers, etc.
3Includes tickets and documents received via mail or printed by respondent.
4Examples include tickets for events received via mail, telecom subscriptions, etc.
Note 1: Data are subject to sampling and other survey errors, which are relatively greater in respect of smaller values.
Note 2:Represents individuals who bought or ordered goods or services online from sellers from other EU countries or the rest of the world in the last 12 months.
Note 3: Respondents may have selected more than one option.

Individuals: Internet storage and file sharing

Data for 2017 indicates that 52% of internet users used storage space on the internet to save files (such as documents, pictures, music, videos, etc.) - an increase of seven percentage points on 2016 (45%). Over two thirds (67%) of internet users in the 16-29 years age group used storage space on the internet (cloud storage) as a method of saving files in 2017, compared with 57% of individuals in the 30-44 years age category. By comparison, only one quarter of individuals in the 60-74 years age group used cloud storage. See table 5.

Three quarters of Students used cloud storage in 2017, an increase of nine percentage points on 2016 (66%). When comparing males' and females' use of storage space on the internet, more males than females use this form of file storage - 55% of males versus 49% of females in 2017 used cloud storage. This follows the same trend as in previous years. See table 5 and figure 6.

201520162017
Male46.247.354.5
Female41.442.349.4
201520162017
Male46.247.354.5
Female41.442.349.4
Table 5 Individuals that use the internet to store files electronically classified by personal characteristics, 2015 to 2017
 % of individuals who used the internet in the last 3 months
 201520162017Unweighted sample 2017
State4445526,022
Sex
Male4647552,347
Female4142493,675
Age group
16-29565667729
30-444850572,243
45-593336401,810
60-742221251,240
Principal economic status
At work4749563,642
Unemployed353534339
Student606675275
Home duties282637821
Retired262324708
Other283135237
Region
Border354140589
Midland4343561,866
West363657636
Dublin515157352
Mid-East484852512
Mid-West363854746
South-East415045790
South-West423747531
Household composition
1 adult, no dependent children384043905
2 adults no dependent children4543481,212
3 or more adults no dependent children484857972
1 adult with dependent children374246422
2 adults with dependent children4547572,044
3 or more adults with dependent children424446467
Number of persons at work in the household
03333311,237
14142492,023
25052602,293
3+515060469
      
Note 1: Data are subject to sampling and other survey errors, which are relatively greater in respect of smaller values.
Note 2: Individuals represent all individuals aged 16-74.
Note 3: Files include documents, pictures, music, video or other files.

Individuals: Online learning

Respondents were asked about their learning activities over the internet for educational, professional or private purposes in the three months prior to interview. The percentage of individuals Doing an online course remained unchanged on 2016 (5%). The situation is similar for persons Using online learning material other than a complete online course (includes audio-visual materials, online learning software, electronic textbooks, etc.) - 11% as in 2016. Nearly four in every ten (39%) Students were Communicating with instructors or students online in 2017, an increase of three percentage points on 2016, while 28% of Students were Using online learning material other than a complete online course, and 8% were Doing an online course. See table 6.

Table 6 Individuals that have used online learning activities for educational, professional or private purposes in the last 3 months, by personal characteristics, 2016 to 2017
           % of individuals
 Doing an online course Using online learning material other than complete online course Communicating with instructors or students Other Unweighted sample 2017
 20162017 20162017 20162017 20162017 
State55 1111 89 11 6,022
 Sex             
 Male66 1312 99 11 2,347
 Female55 1010 79 11 3,675
Age Group
 16-2967 1918 1820 11 729
 30-4476 1110 67 11 2,243
 45-5944 78 44 11 1,810
 60-7422 54 23 11 1,240
Principal Economic Status
 At work76 1010 56 11 3,642
 Unemployed56 610 37 10 339
 Student78 3428 3639 22 275
 Home duties22 44 22 01 821
 Retired22 54 22 01 708
 Other24 95 66 31 237
Region
 Border43 98 54 10 589
 Midlands55 137 95 00 352
 West410 1216 513 0. 531
 Dublin77 1314 1010 11 1,866
 Mid-East54 138 88 13 636
 Mid-West54 99 1119 01 512
 South-East46 118 117 22 746
 South-West54 710 57 02 790
Type of household internet connection
 Broadband65 1111 89 11 5,904
 Narrowband4* 8* 8* 01 23
 No internet51 61 31 01 95
 Unknown internet** ** ** ** 0
Household composition
 1 adult, no dependent children55 1011 66 11 905
 2 adults no dependent children55 1010 67 01 1,212
 3 or more adults no dependent children86 1514 1418 01 972
 1 adult with dependent children35 810 99 21 422
 2 adults with dependent children66 1110 77 11 2,044
 3 or more adults with dependent children54 139 77 12 467
Number of persons at work in the household
 033 1110 119 11 1,237
 156 1010 78 11 2,023
 276 1211 79 11 2,293
 3+86 1115 1117 02 469
               
Note 1: Data are subject to sampling and other survey errors, which are relatively greater in respect of smaller values.
Note 2: Individuals represent all individuals aged 16-74 who use the internet.
Note 3: * Sample occurrence too small for estimation, i.e., less than 30.

Individuals: E-skills

Respondents were asked about the computer or mobile device related activities and software related activities which they carried out in the twelve months prior to interview. Installing software or apps was carried out by over half of all individuals (53%), an increase of three percentage points on 2016, with 70% of Students carrying out this software related activity. Over two thirds (69%) of persons in the 16-29 years age group carried out this activity, compared with one quarter of persons in the 60-74 years age category. Using software to edit photos, video or audio files was carried out by 30% of individuals in 2017, with over half (51%) of Students carrying out this software related activity. Writing code in a programming language was carried out by 13% of Students. Nearly half (47%) of individuals whose principal economic status was At work, used basic spreadsheet software while 28% used more advanced functions to organise and analyse data, such as sorting, filtering, using formulas, creating charts, etc. See table 7.

Table 7 Individuals who carried out computer1 or software related activities in the last 12 months, classified by personal characteristics, 2016 to 2017
                             % of individuals
 Copying or moving files or folders Using word processing software Creating presentations or documents2 Using spreadsheet software Using advanced functions to organise and analyse data3 Using software to edit photos, video or audio files Writing code in a programming language Transferring files between computers or other devices Installing software or apps Changing the settings of any software4 Unweighted sample 2017
 20162017201620172016201720162017201620172016201720162017201620172016201720162017
State4851 5055 3440 3142 2124 2730 56 4346 5053 3237 6,135
Sex                              
Male5353 5358 3843 3545 2428 3033 89 4951 5558 3843 2,406
Female4348 4853 3137 2739 1821 2526 33 3741 4548 2732 3,729
Age group
16-295762 5966 4757 3254 2134 3641 810 5559 6269 3951 732
30-445255 5358 3741 3645 2628 3134 67 4851 5658 3742 2,262
45-594142 4649 2830 2935 1918 2021 33 3537 4041 2527 1,843
60-742928 3237 1317 1520 97 1110 11 2220 2525 1515 1,298
Principal economic status
At work5456 5660 3843 3847 2628 3032 66 4851 5557 3641 3,685
Unemployed3144 3247 1831 1630 918 2026 36 3038 4147 2131 345
Student7273 7680 6977 4068 2942 4551 1313 6970 6970 4855 276
Home duties2324 2629 1112 916 55 1215 11 2121 3031 1519 837
Retired3025 3434 1212 1416 86 129 11 2320 2726 1616 747
Other2527 3031 1612 1614 97 1212 41 2222 3243 2123 245
Region
Border4344 4747 2632 2535 1619 2422 32 3739 4752 2932 602
Midlands4033 4753 3331 2635 1613 2829 84 4034 5453 3332 358
West5358 5057 3342 3246 2224 2029 56 5656 5056 3540 542
Dublin5959 6165 4449 4151 3031 3433 88 5354 6163 4246 1,901
Mid-East3734 4142 2631 2834 1719 2425 55 3231 4344 2425 652
Mid-West4762 4658 3145 2648 1535 2845 58 3956 4355 2346 520
South-East4444 4446 3130 2733 1821 2831 35 4141 4445 3233 757
South-West4251 4755 3037 2336 1419 2123 43 3541 3940 2429 803
Type of household Internet connection
 Broadband4851 5156 3540 3142 2225 2830 56 4447 5154 3338 6,002
 Narrowband** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** 24
 No internet2619 2526 1314 1918 107 1110 61 1718 2520 1413 109
 Unknown internet** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** 0
Household compostion
1 Adult no dependent children4649 4754 3136 3040 1924 2425 66 4042 4650 2936 926
2 Adults no dependent children4549 5055 3037 3140 2224 2430 66 4045 4750 3136 1,249
3 or more adults no dependent children5258 5664 4250 3249 2332 3139 68 4955 5361 3345 987
1 Adult with dependent children3841 4349 2732 2135 1519 2622 44 3235 4648 2728 430
2 Adults with dependent children5052 5256 3541 3443 2324 2830 65 4648 5253 3537 2,069
3 or more adults with dependent children4642 4644 3632 2734 1518 2920 45 4338 5047 3033 474
Number of persons at work in the household
No persons at work in the household3432 3836 2522 1923 1313 1919 44 3128 3637 2125 1,283
One person at work in the household4447 4753 3036 2739 1822 2427 56 4042 4849 3134 2,062
Two persons at work in the household5759 5864 4147 3950 2729 3335 66 5053 5660 3843 2,316
 Three or more persons at work in the household5658 5660 4349 3549 2332 3534 65 5357 6062 3745 474
1Includes mobile device related activities.
2Including integrating text, pictures, tables or charts.
3Examples include sorting, filtering, using formulas, creating charts, etc.
4Including operational systems or security programs.
Note 1: Data are subject to sampling and other survey errors, which are relatively greater in respect of smaller values.
Note 2: Individuals represent all individuals aged 16-74 who use the internet.
Note 3: * Sample occurrence too small for estimation, i.e., less than 30.
Note 4: Respondents may have selected more than one option.

Background Notes

Purpose of Survey

The annual Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Household Survey 2017 contributes to the EU requirement under Regulation (EC) No 808/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 April 2004 concerning Community Statistics on the Information Society (OJ L143, 30.04.2004, p. 49). It covers a range of topics related to internet penetration and use of ICT by households and individuals.

The survey is conducted annually in the first quarter of the year and asks respondents about their ICT activities over the previous 12 months. Each year, the survey includes a specific group of questions relating to a particular area of ICT. In 2017, additional questions relating to the Shared Economy and E-skills were included.

Reference Period

A module on Information Communications Technology (ICT) is included in the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) in the three months from January to March each year (Quarter 1). The questionnaire asks questions about ICT activities for the reference period of twelve months prior to the interviews taking place.

Survey Questionnaire

The ICT Households Survey 2017 was designed in line with the European Community Survey on ICT Usage in Households and By Individuals 2017 Model Questionnaire. The collection of the data under the aforementioned European Regulation implies that harmonised data can be obtained across the European continent.

The 2017 ICT household questionnaire is available at

ICT - Information And Communications Technologies

Data Collection

This survey was carried out as a module of the Quarterly National household Survey (QNHS).  The QNHS is a large-scale, nationwide survey of households in Ireland. It is designed to produce quarterly labour force estimates that include the official measures of employment and unemployment in the state using the International Labour Organisation basis.

Information is collected on tablet computers, using computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) software.

Sample Design

A two-stage sample design is used. A new sample was introduced in Q4 2012 following the 2011 Census of Population and an additional new sample also based on the 2011 Census of Population is being introduced incrementally from Q3 2016. The sample frame of households is clustered into blocks (small areas) with each block containing a minimum of 60 occupied households on the night of the 2011 Census of Population. In the case of the sample introduced in 2012 the sample frame is stratified using administrative county and population density while the sample introduced in 2016 is stratified using administrative county and the Pobal HP (Haase and Pratschke) Deprivation Index. In the first stage 1,300 blocks are selected using Probability Proportional to Size (PPS) sampling and in the second stage 20 households are selected using Simple Random Sampling (SRS). This ensures that each household in the sample frame has an equal probability of selection and results in a total quarterly sample of 26,000 households. The actual achieved sample varies over time depending on the level of response.

The number of valid responding households in the QNHS in Q1 2017 was 16,116. The corresponding number of valid responding households in the ICT Households Survey in Q1 2017 was 7,885.

Households are asked to take part in the survey for five consecutive quarters and are then replaced by other households in the same block. Thus, one fifth of the households in the survey are replaced each quarter and the QNHS sample involves an overlap of 80% between consecutive quarters and 20% between the same quarter in consecutive years. As the new sample based on the 2011 Census of Population was introduced incrementally across each quarter from Q4 2012 to Q4 2013, the new sample is fully effective from Q4 2013.

The survey results are weighted to agree with population estimates broken down by age, sex and region and are also calibrated to nationality control totals. The population estimates for April of each year are published in a separate release.

Grossing Effect

The QNHS grossing procedure aligns the distribution of persons covered in the sample with independently determined population estimates at the level of sex, five-year age group and NUTS3 region.

The grossing factors applied in the processing of the ICT Household Survey are calculated in the same manner but differ from those that were used in the preparation of the main QNHS estimates as the ICT Household Survey was asked of a sub-sample of the overall QNHS sample on waves two, three and four of the QNHS sample.

Note on Tables

The sum of row or column percentages in the tables in this report may not add to 100.0% due to rounding.

Reliability of Estimates Presented

Estimates for number of persons where there are less than 30 persons in a cell are too small to be considered reliable. These estimates are presented with an asterisk (*) in the relevant tables.

Where there are 30-49 persons in a cell, estimates are considered to have a wider margin of error and should be treated with caution. These cells are presented with parentheses [ ].

In the case of rates, these limits apply to the denominator used in generating the rate. In the case of annual changes, both the current year and the preceding year are taken into account when deciding whether the estimate should be suppressed or flagged as having a wider margin of error.

Classifications Used

Principal Economic Status Classification

Results are also available using the Principal Economic Status (PES) classification which was used in the Labour Force Survey and the Census of Population.  The PES classification is based on a single question in which respondents are asked what is their usual situation with regard to employment and given the following response categories:

  • At work
  • Unemployed
  • Student
  • Engaged on home duties
  • Retired
  • Other


Degree of Urbanisation

This classification is created from an aggregation of population density estimates derived from the Census of Population. The categories included in each aggregate are explained below:

  • Thinly populated area refers to rural areas
  • Intermediate density area refers to towns and suburbs
  • Densely populated area refers to cities, urban centres and urban areas


Region

The regional classifications in this release are based on the NUTS (Nomenclature of Territorial Units) classification used by Eurostat.  The NUTS3 regions correspond to the eight Regional Authorities established under the Local Government Act, 1991 (Regional Authorities) (Establishment) Order, 1993, which came into operation on 1 January 1994. The NUTS2 regions, which were proposed by Government and agreed by Eurostat in 1999, are groupings of the NUTS3 regions. The composition of the regions is set out below.

The composition of the regions is set out below.

Border, Midland and Western NUTS2 Region     

Southern and Eastern NUTS2 Region          

Border

Cavan

Dublin

Dublin City

 

Donegal

 

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

 

Leitrim

 

Fingal

 

Louth

 

South Dublin

 

Monaghan

 

 

 

Sligo

Mid-East

Kildare

 

 

 

Meath

Midland

Laois

 

Wicklow

 

Longford

Mid-West

Clare

 

Offaly

 

Limerick City

 

Westmeath

 

Limerick County

 

 

 

North Tipperary

West

Galway City

 

 

 

Galway County

South-East

Carlow

 

Mayo

 

Kilkenny

 

Roscommon

 

South Tipperary

 

 

 

Waterford City

 

 

 

Waterford County

 

 

 

Wexford

 

 

 

 

 

 

South-West

Cork City

 

 

 

Cork County

 

 

 

Kerry

QNHS Social Modules

While the main purpose of the QNHS is the production of quarterly labour force estimates, there is also a provision for the collection of data on social topics through the inclusion of special survey modules. The selection of the major national modules undertaken to date has been largely based on the results of a canvass of users (over 100 organisations) that was conducted by the CSO in 1996, 2002, 2006, 2008 and most recently 2011. The results of the canvass are presented to the National Statistics Board and they are asked to indicate their priorities for the years ahead.

The schedule for social modules in any given year is based on the following structure:

Quarter 1   Accidents and Illness module and  Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Survey

Quarter 2   EU module (always covered under EU legislation)

Quarter 3   National module

Quarter 4   National module

Some of the social modules published to date in the QNHS are outlined below:

Irish Health Survey 2015

Q3 2015 Crime and Victimisation

Q2 2016 Households and Family Units

Q2 2016 QNHS Union Membership

Q4 2015 Pensions

Q2 2015 Households and Family Units

Q3 2014 Equality Module

Q2 2014 Environment Module

Q3 2013 Volunteering and Wellbeing

Q2 2013 Sport and Physical Exercise

Q3 2012 Effect on Households of the Economic Downturn

Q2 2012 Retirement Planning

Q2 2012 Parental Involvement in Children’s Education

Q2 2012 Union Membership

Q1 2012 Unemployment Thematic Report

Q2 2011 Response of Households to the Economic Downturn - Pilot Module

Q2 2011 Voter Participation

Q4 2010 Equality

Q3 2010 Health Status and Health Service Utilisation

Q2 2010 Cross Border Shopping

Q2 2010 Educational Attainment

Q1 2010 Crime and Victimisation

Q4 2009 Pension Provision

Q3 2009 Carers

Q2 2009 Union Membership

Q2 2009 Cross Border Shopping

Q3 2008 Lifelong Learning

Q4 2007 Childcare

Q3 2007 Health Status and Health Service Utilisation

Q3 2006 Sport and Physical Exercise
 

More historical social modules published are available at:

http://www.cso.ie/en/qnhs/releasesandpublications/qnhs-specialmodules/qnhs-specialmodulesarchive/.

Participating Households

The Central Statistics Office wishes to thank the participating households for their co-operation in agreeing to take part in the survey and for facilitating the collection of the relevant data.

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