Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 November 2018
86. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the percentage of persons in the labour force who have basic or above basic digital skills based on the latest available data; the corresponding EU average rate for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46382/18]
View answer87. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Education and Skills the percentage of persons in employment that have basic or above basic digital skills based on the latest available data; the corresponding EU average rate in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46383/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 87 together.
The Irish Government recognises the importance of digital literacy in facilitating the full inclusion of all members of our society. The Action Plan for Jobs 2018 contains a commitment to develop a high level National Digital Strategy, to provide a coherent vision across sectorial policies to position Ireland to maximise economic and societal benefits from digitalisation.
A range of actions are in place across the education and training system to support the acquisition of enhanced digital skills and to increase the use of digital technologies in teaching and learning. These build on actions on digital skills set out in the National Skills Strategy 2025.
In 2015, my Department published the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020 which includes a range of relevant actions that will support the development of digital skills both directly through specific curriculum content and through technology enhanced learning across the curriculum.
Within the Higher Education sector, a number of actions are included to implement the Roadmap for Enhancement in a Digital World 2015-2017 aimed at supporting the development and embedding of digital capacity in teaching and learning activities and developing consistent digital experiences for learners.
There are considerable changes occurring within the Further Education Sector (FET) to improve the existing capacity in the area of digital inclusion and the provision of digital skills in FET. The Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) in Further Education and Training 2016 – 2019 Strategy will build on existing capacity and good practice in TEL to expand access to and continuously improve and innovate FET provision.
A range of programmes are provided within ETBs for individuals who wish to develop their digital literacy. Basic ICT tuition is integrated within adult literacy and numeracy provision. Opportunities for basic skills provision is offered through a variety of providers via a broad range of ETB FET provision delivered in adult education centres, community education settings and training centres. Delivery of these programmes is designed to meet the needs of participants' personal and career goals and are offered on a full and part-time basis. These courses are supported through the funding provided to the Adult Literacy Programme, Bridging & Foundation Training, Local Training Initiatives, Community Education, Youthreach and the BTEI (Back to Education Initiative). Some of these programmes combine transversal skills such as literacy, numeracy, digital skills, communications and teamworking with specific occupational skills.
My Department also recently launched a new policy framework for employee development, 'Skills to Advance' , which was developed by SOLAS in consultation with key partners. This new approach will enable targeted support for vulnerable groups in the Irish workforce as it has a particular focus on employees those who have lower skills levels and who need more opportunities to advance in their working lives and careers, to sustain their employment and to avoid displacement or to avail of emerging job opportunities. The policy sets a target of having over 40,000 workers, whose skills level is below Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), engaged in state supported skills development by 2021. It should be noted that while the NFQ is not a digital literacy scale but a qualifications framework, I am committed to addressing digital literacy issues amongst those whose highest level of qualification is below Level 5, including through achieving certification for their learning. Participation by employees in relevant courses will be provided free of charge.
This new initiative is also a significant part of our national efforts to implement the European Commission's Upskilling Pathways Recommendation: New Opportunities for Adults, as almost half of those with less than an upper secondary qualification are in employment. My Department has been working with partners on the implementation of the recommendation – which aims to help adults with less than upper second level education acquire a minimum level of literacy, numeracy and digital skills. My Department has established a multi–agency steering group to identify the priority cohorts and appropriate measures to implement the recommendation. This informed my Department's recent response to a request from the Commission for information regarding arrangements in Ireland on upskilling pathways interventions. The response presented the overall context for Upskilling Pathways in Ireland, including key background information that the Commission would find useful, as well as information on existing and planned provision. The Commission are conducting an audit of interventions across Member States and hope to report back on their findings by the end of the year.
Please find the following tables with details of the percentage of persons in employment, and persons in the labour force, with basic or above basic digital skills in Ireland and the EU for 2016 and 2017.
Percentages of persons in employment and persons in labour force with basic or above basic digital Skills in Ireland and the EU
Table 1. Persons (%) in employment* with basic or above basic digital skills in Ireland and the EU
|
GEO/TIME |
2016 |
|
|
European Union (28) |
66 |
67 |
|
Ireland |
53 |
57 |
Source: Eurostat
In employment refers to those who are employees, self-employed or family workers
Table 2. Persons (%) in the labour force (employed and unemployed) with basic or above basic digital skills in Ireland and the EU
|
GEO/TIME |
2017 |
|
|
European Union (28) |
63 |
65 |
|
Ireland |
50 |
55 |
Source: Eurostat
