Education and Training Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2013

Tuesday, 18 June 2013

Questions (140)

Sandra McLellan

Question:

140. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that SOLAS develops an adult literacy and numeracy strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29035/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

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 Further Education and Training Bill 2013 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. The Bill was amended at Dáil Report Stage to include a provision for the development of a literacy and numeracy strategy.