Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 October 2021
47. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress to foster inclusion as provided for in the Further Education and Training Strategy 2020-2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49824/21]
View answerFostering Inclusion is one of the three core pillars of Future FET:Transforming Learning, the National FET Strategy 2020-2024 launched in July 2020. Work is continuing across the sector to enhance the inclusivity, accessibility and flexibility of FET provision. Within their annual service planning processes, the Education and Training Boards consider the needs of the most marginalised groups and how these are being addressed within their provision.
SOLAS collaborated successfully with Education and Training Boards Ireland and AHEAD on the development and publication of a conceptual framework for Universal Design for Learning (UDL) for the FET Sector. A UDL approach aims to reduce obstacles to learning by taking into account the needs of learners such as their age or the levels of their ability. Guidance on UDL for FET Practitioners was published in 2021 with accompanying reflective tools and an online resource hub.
The Mitigating Against Educational Disadvantage Fund was introduced in 2020 to provide funding to support educationally disadvantaged learners in accessing and participating in community education. Over 500 community education projects were funded through the ETBs. The varied projects aimed to help support online leaning, connect communities and provide social supports to the most disadvantaged.
The expansion in eCollege courses also enhances the flexibility of FET in responding to the specific skills needs of individuals including those requiring basic digital skills.
Finally, the publication of the 10 year Adult Literacy for Life Strategy in September is a major development to foster inclusion. This 10 year adult literacy, numeracy and digital literacy strategy taking a whole of Government action orientated approach has the potential to be transformative in reaching all citizens. Work on the implementation of the strategy is underway and remains a priority for my Department.
