Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 February 2023
142. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education the status of the development of a new literacy, numeracy and digital strategy; the revised timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4943/23]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for his question on my Department’s development of a new literacy, numeracy and digital strategy. I welcome this opportunity to provide an update on this crucial element of my work as Minister for Education.
As the Deputy is aware, under the Programme for Government, my Department is tasked with the development of a successor Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy to the 2011 Literacy and Numeracy Strategy. The 2011 strategy achieved a significant amount and I am eager that we continue the progress that has been made and also learn from the considerable knowledge gained along the way.
This new strategy will be for all learners in early childhood and care, primary and post-primary schools and will run for ten years.
I and my officials are committed to this strategy being developed against robust research, to include consideration of national and international practice. To this end my Department commissioned a review of literature which, alongside an extensive consultation process, will feed into the development of the strategy.
A public consultation is ongoing and will close on 3rd February. I am delighted to report that we have received a significant number of responses from the public so far on this very important topic.
Focus group consultations and bilateral meetings will commence in the coming weeks and a stakeholder consultation event will also be held in the coming months. These will all feed into the development of the new strategy which will be published in the coming months.
I hope this information is of assistance to the Deputy.
