Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 March 2023
183. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department will fund exclusive free courses in each ETB on how to use iPhones, android tablets and so on for older persons with little or no experience in the usage of these devices. [11697/23]
View answerThe 16 Education and Training Boards, funded through SOLAS, provide a range of programmes to cater for the literacy needs of adults. These adult literacy programmes are responsive and student-centred, providing classes in literacy, numeracy and digital literacy. Digital skills in using devices as well as other practical digital skills such as learning how to use the internet, cloud services, and applications are all areas that have become a priority for delivery by Adult Education Services, including for older adults. The local Adult Literacy Organiser in any area is the best person to contact for full details on classes and to request support. The Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) Strategy aims to reduce the share of adults in Ireland without basic digital skills from 47% to 20% by 2030. Key deliverables for 2023 under the ALL strategy include a specific focus on literacy and digital skills and older people. Following Budget 2023 there is an overall allocation of €5million to support the ALL strategy this year.
Digital inclusion is also promoted under the REACH Fund, operating across the ETBs. Community Education providers can apply for funding across several categories including digital supports. The Fund can support, in line with the ALL strategy, specific actions that directly address those experiencing unmet literacy needs or target funding on access to technology and devices or expand community access to Wi-Fi and broadband resources.
