Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 April 2012
22 Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to make it statutory for all education institutions in the State to have an adult literacy policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19423/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Programme for Government, this Government will make literacy and basic workplace skills a national priority and drive the integration of literacy into a wider variety of further education and training programmes as part of the establishment of SOLAS. My Department recently published new operational guidelines for adult literacy and community education provision which highlighted the importance of integrating literacy into further education and training programmes. My Department also funds the National Adult Literacy Agency which promotes a Plain English Campaign to encourage the use of plain English by public and private sector organisations in the dissemination of information to the public.
In the primary and post primary school sector, the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy recognises that parental engagement is vital to support children's literacy and numeracy development. The Strategy encourages schools to assist parents in developing their confidence and capacity in this area.
