The number of people accessing the internet from mobile devices here is well-above the European Union average. Figures from Eurostat show that 51% of us went on-line through a mobile device last year which is well above EU average of 36%.

The numbers also show that 74% of the population here are using the internet regularly. This is also above the EU average of 70%. The body says Ireland is well on-track "towards high internet usage".

In addition, frequent daily users of the internet account for 58% of the population, up from 55% in 2011, and above the EU average of 59%.

While the rate of people who have never used it has decreased since last year from 21% down to 18%.

What's more 50% of Irish businesses provide their staff with portable devices for accessing the net which is just above the average of 48%.

On-line travel is most popular

With regards to disadvantaged people, the rate of regular internet usage is 59%, 5 percentage points above the EU average of 54%.

Euorstat says among the most popular activities, Irish people use the internet predominantly to access information and to use on-line travel and accommodation services.

63% of individuals go on-line in order to find information about goods and services, above - but not far from - the EU average of 62%, and above last year's rate of 53%.

At the same time, individuals largely make travel and accommodation arrangements on-line (47%) while the least popular activities are selling goods and services on-line and making telephone and video calls.