From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has today, 25 February 2022, marked Ireland Reads by encouraging people who need help to read or write to seek assistance and support.
Ireland Reads is a national day to inspire the whole country to get reading. Libraries have teamed up with publishers, booksellers, authors and others nationwide for the campaign, which aims to celebrate reading and all the benefits it can have for wellbeing and enjoyment.
The campaign is asking everyone to ‘squeeze in a read’ on Ireland Reads day.
Minister Harris said:
"This is a really great initiative but for many people, reading presents great difficulties and challenges.
"My message today is there are numerous supports available to you through your local enterprise and training board.
"As a department, we are working to roll out our new Adult Literacy for Life, or ALL, Strategy, and this year €3 million will be allocated for the implementation of the ALL Strategy which will enable the establishment of partnership structures to initiate focused coordination supports.
"These are critical to delivering on the targets set for adult literacy, numeracy and digital literacy. This will include the recruitment of regional literacy co-ordinators, a national programme office, the establishment of a new collaboration and innovation fund and the continued roll out of the Adult Literacy Awareness campaign.
"Being unable to read can have a debilitating impact on a person’s ability to participate in society. We want to change that.
"So my message to anyone in that position today is to reach out, seek support and we will help you. These supports are free of charge and people are waiting to help you today. I would encourage you to call Freephone number 1800 20 20 65."
The ALL Strategy, launched by Minister Harris on International Literacy Day, 8 September 2021, sets out a cross-government, cross-economy and cross-society approach to achieve the vision of an Ireland where every adult has the necessary literacy, numeracy and digital literacy to engage in society and realise their potential.
A number of important commitments under the ALL Strategy have already been delivered, including the establishment of a one-stop-shop, www.adultliteracyforlife.ie, which provides over 210 local contact points and access to a national Freephone for anyone who wishes to avail of one of the 100,000 places currently available through further education and training providers across the country.
Over the last few months, Minister Harris also welcomed the publication of a suite of resources addressing literacy, numeracy, and language assessment, as well as inclusion, in the Adult Literacy service which aim to ensure the continued improvement of this service for the learners.
For more information on Adult Literacy For Life, please go to www.adultliteracyforlife.ie.