Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 October 2021
65. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way it is envisaged higher and further education institutions will assist in the provision and expansion of adult literacy, numeracy and digital skills courses as provided for in the recently-launched strategy. [49626/21]
View answer72. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to increase the number of learners engaging with literacy and language support by 20,000 by expanding the range of courses available over the first half of the Adult Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy 10 Year Strategy’s lifetime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49828/21]
View answer163. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to reduce the share of adults in Ireland without basic digital skills from 47% to 20% as committed to in the Adult Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy 10 Year Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49825/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 65, 72 and 163 together.
I was delighted to launch the Adult Literacy for Life Strategy on International Literacy Day, 8th September. This is a 10 year adult literacy, numeracy and digital literacy strategy which takes a whole of Government action orientated approach. It is underpinned by one simple vision, to create an Ireland where every adult has the necessary literacy, numeracy and digital literacy to fully engage in society and realise their full potential. The Strategy sets out range of commitments to make people more aware of the services; to increase uptake of existing capacity, to expand the range of provision and to target resources on those who need it most.
A specific website www.adultliteracyforlife.ie has been launched with details of 210 local contacts point and access to a national freephone for anyone who wishes to avail of one of the 100,000 places currently available across the country. In addition, a national awareness campaign has commenced and will continue for until the end of the year.
The Budget 2022 provision for Adult Literacy for Life will enable us to establish the partnership structures and initiate focused coordination support which are critical to delivering on the targets set for adult literacy, numeracy and digital literacy. This will include the recruitment of regional literacy co-ordinators and the establishment of a new collaboration and innovation fund.
