Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 November 2021
432. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the baseline and target set out in adult literacy for life strategy for literacy, numeracy and digital skills, respectively; the interim targets over the term of the strategy; the estimated impact to the economy of achieving each target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55517/21]
View answerThe Adult Literacy for Life Strategy identifies the following high-level strategic targets compared to the baselines, as follows:
- Decrease the share of adults with unmet literacy needs (Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) level 1 or below) from 18% (2012 data) to 7%.
- Decrease the share of adults with unmet numeracy needs (PIAAC Level 1 or below) from 25% (2012 data) to 12%.
- Decrease the share of adults without at least basic digital skills (as measured by Digital Economy and Society Index) from 47% (DESI 2020) to 20%.
The Strategy recognises that a strategy this long-term in nature must have the capability to continually review progress, and adapt actions and responses to take account of the rapidly evolving environment.
While progress will be measured using the next PIAAC survey, which is due to begin with data gathering in 2022 and 2023, the Strategy recognises that a more regular means of measuring levels of literacy and numeracy needs to be established, with a research body contracted to develop and operate an ongoing benchmarking exercise based on the PIAAC methodology. Progress toward reaching the digital skills target will be measured using the annual DESI reports. The development of a new Well-being Framework for Ireland, which aims to facilitate a well-rounded, holistic view of how the country is performing, alongside the existing economic measurement tools, will also be used to map the impact of the Strategy throughout its lifetime.
Within that context, the Strategy recommends that the oversight structures should also work to agree on an outcomes framework that will formalise a set of indicators for the strategy. An independent mid-term review of progress will also be commissioned five years into delivery, this will allow the second half of strategy implementation to be informed by a timely analysis of targets.
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. Achievement of these targets will have positive economic and social benefits for Ireland, enabling citizens to participate fully in Ireland’s economy and society. With digitalization transforming every aspect of our lives, digital literacy is a prerequisite for an inclusive society and economy.
