Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2013
323. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to include a specific commitment in the Further Education and Training Bill 2013 to develop a national adult literacy and numeracy strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23874/13]
View answer325. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider amending the Further Education and Training Bill 2013 to include an adult literacy and numeracy strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23883/13]
View answer342. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will prioritise adult literacy in 2013; and the reason it is excluded from the Further Education and Training Bill 2013. [24039/13]
View answer361. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an adult literacy and numeracy strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24382/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 323, 325, 342 and 361 together.
I recognise that further education and training as it is currently delivered covers a broad spectrum that ranges from basic adult literacy and numeracy courses to courses that are certified at level 6 and above on the National Framework of Qualifications. Section 9 of the Bill provides that SOLAS, once established, will prepare and submit, to the Minister, a strategy in respect of further education and training. The issue of including a provision in the Bill for the development of a national adult literacy and numeracy strategy was raised at Dáil Committee Stage. I have asked officials in the Department to give consideration to this matter in advance of Report Stage in the Dáil in coming weeks.
