10-year Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy

Minister Harris launches public consultation on 10-year Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD has today announced a public consultation on a new 10-year Adult Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy.

 Minister Harris secured Government approval to task SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority, with the development of the strategy and report back within six months.

 “In Ireland 1 in 5 adults in Ireland struggle with reading everyday text, such as leaflets or medicine instructions, 1 in 4 adults in Ireland struggle with using numbers, for example, using basic arithmetic for daily tasks such as adding up a grocery bill and 1 in 2 adults struggle with digital skills.

 For many adults, this can be debilitating. It can prevent access to employment or education. Or it can be a barrier to the everyday tasks such as helping children with their homework or reading your prescriptions.

In the Programme for Government ‘Our Shared Future’, there is a commitment to develop a 10-year strategy for adult literacy, numeracy and digital skills.

 The strategy will take a whole-of-Government approach and provide a framework to support individuals to improve their literacy, numeracy and digital skills.

 The consultation begins today, 13th November and ends on 31st December. 

The consultation can be found here: www.solas.ie