Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2021
135. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress made under the National Adult Literacy Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26969/21]
View answerAs provided for in the Programme for Government, I tasked SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority, with the development of a new 10 year strategy for adult literacy, numeracy and digital literacy.
The new strategy will provide a framework to build on and streamline the substantial work that is already being done across a range of Departments and agencies, to increase awareness of services for the public and to capture the contribution that can be made right across Government to deliver better literacy, numeracy and digital skills in the adult population. The framework being provided through this new strategy will also embed the use of literacy friendly provision and plain language to ensure the most accessible public, civil and business services throughout the country.
Work is well underway by SOLAS in relation to the development of the strategy, under the guidance of the interdepartmental stakeholder group which I chair. The extensive research and consultation phases of the strategy's development are now complete. During these phases:
- 400 relevant strategies, research papers, and other related documents were reviewed.
- 10 international systems of support provision were considered.
- 139 organisations and 396 individuals provided input via short or long survey, or through written submissions.
- 1,118 people provided a representative view of literacy, numeracy and digital matters through an omnibus survey.
- Over 400 people directly or indirectly using literacy services consulted through focus groups, small scale surveys, or one-to-one interviews.
- 66 bilateral meetings with external stakeholders (industry, social partners, NGOs, state agencies and Government Departments).
My departmental colleagues and I are working with SOLAS on the finalisation of this 10 year adult literacy, numeracy and digital literacy strategy, which I plan to bring to Government for consideration next month.
