Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2021
261. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress that is being made to reduce the proportion of adults in Ireland without basic digital skills from 47% to 20% as is set out in the Adult Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy 10-Year Strategy for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51854/21]
View answerI 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 contact points 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, including the target of reducing the proportion of adults in Ireland without basic digital skills from 47% to 20%. This will also include the recruitment of regional literacy co-ordinators and the establishment of a new collaboration and innovation fund.
Within the further education and training (FET) sector, as part of the annual funding arrangements, SOLAS and its funded partners will provide integrated digital literacy training to match needs identified in all local areas.
I would encourage anyone wishing to avail of one-to-one or group digital literacy training to contact their local Education and Training Board or freephone 1800 20 20 65.
