Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Education Thomas Byrne has called for a new pilot scheme to encourage people to complete adult literacy courses.
Deputy Byrne commented in recognition of International Literacy Day, Sunday 8th September.
“Ireland prides itself on its highly educated workforce. Again and again, we talk about the knowledge economy. In recent years, there has been little focus on how we are going to let those who have been locked out of this economy in.
“The sad reality is that one in six adults have difficulties with literacy in Ireland. The evidence shows that literacy and numeracy skills have a significant impact on gaining employment while community education empowers people to grow in confidence in their own employability and engage effectively with the labour market.
“Unfortunately, targets are not being met. Ireland’s National Skills Strategy target for upskilling literacy has not been increased since 2007. We simply cannot afford to sit on our hands.
“Fianna Fáil is calling for the development of a pilot scheme to encourage those with low literacy skills to complete QQI level 1-3 courses. Completing this course and taking the first steps in improving their literacy will benefit the individual in terms of their confidence and employment opportunities while also having knock on benefits for our workforce and knowledge economy”.
