Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014
1298. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to improve literacy rates in the adult population; the funds allocated to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33621/14]
View answer1304. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she has set a target date for Ireland to reach 100% literacy for persons aged 15 and over; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33627/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1298 and 1304 together.
The provision of adult literacy services is a key priority of this government in the area of Further Education and Training and has led to significant policy development in recent times.
The Programme for Government sets out commitments for adult literacy provision under its labour market and lifelong learning policies. The importance of literacy skills was reinforced in the legislation establishing SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority, which included a requirement for a strategy aimed at promoting, developing and encouraging literacy and numeracy.
Strategic Goal 2 of the Further Education and Training Strategy 2014-2019, launched in May this year, includes the devising and implementation of a strategy for literacy and numeracy across the further education and training sector. The actions include improving the literacy and numeracy of the adult population, enhancing CPD provision for staff, embedding literacy and numeracy within further education and training provision and setting targets and objectives for literacy and numeracy programmes. SOLAS will shortly establish a Strategic Implementation Advisory Group of stakeholders to support the implementation of the FET Strategy.
The Review of the Adult Literacy Service published last year made a number of recommendations which have been taken into account in devising the FET strategy and in revising the adult literacy operational guidelines.
The literacy levels of adults in Ireland have improved in recent years as shown in the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) report published last year. The updates on targets set in the National Skills Strategy have shown continuous improvement in the numbers of adults with lower secondary or less education levels. My Department will continue to work with SOLAS and the Education and Training Boards, the main providers of literacy services to adults, to improve the literacy levels of adults in Ireland to enhance their employment prospects, personal development and education progression.
Annual funding for the Adult Literacy Programme is of the order of €30 million. In addition, a further €2.8 million is provided for the Workplace Basic Education Fund Programme, which focuses on basic skills for employees, from the National Training Fund.
