Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2013
231. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will look favourably upon the request of the National Adult Literacy Agency to amend the Further Education and Training (SOLAS) Bill to include a specific commitment to raise adult literacy and numeracy levels and develop a national adult literacy and numeracy strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27244/13]
View answerI 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.
