A 10-year adult literacy and numeracy strategy has been developed for those who have been “left behind” within the education system, Simon Harris has said.
The Minister for Higher Education has said one in six adults in Ireland lack “basic literacy skills”.
The strategy will also look at digital literacy and SOLAS will immediately start a conversation with those across the country who may struggle with literacy.
Minister Harris said: “We like to talk an awful lot in Ireland that we live in a country that is knowledge based.
“But we can’t ignore the fact that some people have been left behind when it comes to our education system in Ireland.
“One in six adults in Ireland has problems reading and understanding information, while half of us lack basic 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.”
He said he has tasked SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority, with the development of the strategy and asked them to report back within six months.
Minister Harris said “we need to address this imbalance” and “get on top of this.”
The aim of this new strategy will be to ensure that everyone has the literacy, numeracy and digital skills to meet their needs and participate fully in society. Its development will involve input by relevant Government Departments and agencies.
Mr Harris said: “Many of us believe access to a smartphone or an ability to use social media makes us digitally literate but we know half of us lack the basic digital skills needed.
“These challenges face individuals every day but Covid-19 reinforced many of those obstacles.”
Andrew Brownlee, CEO of SOLAS said: “SOLAS is delighted to be tasked with leading the development of a longer-term strategy to address literacy and numeracy needs and the digital divide, with a cross-Government approach critical to its success.”
