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Press release

Annual Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Forum held at Dublin Castle

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, and Bernie McNally, Secretary General, Department of Education today (Wednesday, 30 April) addressed the annual Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Forum which took place in Dublin Castle.

This is the first forum to be held since the launch in May 2024 of Ireland’s Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy 2024-2033: Every Learner from Birth to Young Adulthood and supporting five-year implementation plan. The strategy’s vision is that: 'Every learner, from birth to young adulthood, develops the necessary literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy skills to thrive and flourish as an individual, to engage and contribute fully as an ethical, active member of society and to live a satisfying and rewarding life.’

Minister for Education Helen McEntee said:

“Forums like this are not just about the strategy, they are about listening, learning, and ensuring our actions match the needs of the learners we serve.

“The way our learners engage with literacy, numeracy and digital literacy is evolving rapidly. It is essential we evolve with them not only in policy, but in practice. That means asking critical questions, being open to innovation, and recognising that no one-size-fits-all.

“My department is focused on ensuring that our strategies for literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy remain responsive to the evolving needs of learners, educators, and communities. Together, we can create an environment where every learner is empowered to thrive, both now and in the future.”

Speakers at the event included: Dr Sandra O’Neill, Institute of Education, Dublin City University and Dr Niamh O’Meara, EPI-STEM School of Education, University of Limerick, Áine Lynch and René O’Malley, National Parents Council. Workshops on the day focused on a range of topics including storytelling, outdoor learning, numeracy and mis/disinformation. There were also presentations and video contributions from early learning and care settings and schools which showcased inspiring literacy, numeracy and digital literacy practice.

Minister Foley said:

“Significantly the Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy highlights early childhood as the fundamental first stage on a child’s educational journey and the importance of children’s earliest experiences in language, literacy, and numeracy.

“This forum provides a valuable opportunity for us to come together with our colleagues across the primary and post-primary sectors, to share inspiring practice and explore innovative, evidence-based approaches to play-based learning.

“It is wonderful to see such strong participation from the early learning and care sector here today, and I look forward to hearing the insights and observations gathered in areas such as early mathematical thinking, story-telling traditions and the importance of language-rich environments for babies, toddlers and young children."

Secretary General, Department of Education, Bernie McNally said:

“It was a real pleasure to meet the children and young people this morning. They are, after all, at the centre of everything we do in education. Seeing their energy and potential was a powerful reminder of why our work to support their learning and development is so important.

“Building strong literacy, numeracy, and digital skills is essential not just for academic success, but for full participation in an increasingly digital and global society. These skills form the foundation of opportunity, equality, and lifelong learning.

“Alongside the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, we are driving the Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy forward with energy, ambition, and collaboration. Together, we can build the core skills every learner needs to succeed in education, in the workforce, and in life."

Minister Foley and Bernie McNally also acknowledged all who participated in the forum today and committed to continue to foster ongoing dialogue and action to support every learner’s success.

Notes

The forum took place at Dublin Castle on 30 April 2025.

The keynote speakers included:

  • Dr Sandra O’Neill, Institute of Education, Dublin City University
  • Dr Niamh O’Meara, EPI-STEM School of Education, University of Limerick
  • Áine Lynch, National Parents Council
  • René O’Malley, National Parents Council

Early learning and care settings and schools involved in the presentations were as follows:

  • Happy Days, Ballyporeen, Co. Tipperary.
  • Doon Convent National School, Co. Limerick.
  • St. Anthony’s Special School, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
  • Beneavin College, Finglas, Dublin 11

Background

Ireland’s Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy 2024-2033: Every Learner from Birth to Young Adulthood builds on the achievements and ambition of the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy 2011-2020 and the 2017 interim review. The new strategy continues the journey to nurture and enhance literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills from birth to young adulthood to ensure that every individual is equipped with the essential skills to navigate and succeed in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

The areas for development and action, as identified in the strategy, span five pillars:

Pillar 1: Enabling parents and communities to support learners’ literacy, numeracy and digital literacy.

Pillar 2: Supporting the professional practice of early years educators, childminders and teachers.

Pillar 3: Supporting leadership in early learning and care and in the school system.

Pillar 4: Improving the learner experience through curriculum, pedagogy and assessment.

Pillar 5: Supporting diverse learners to achieve their potential.

A comprehensive five-year implementation plan has been developed which serves as the blueprint that transforms the strategy into actionable steps. It outlines the specific actions and initiatives that will be undertaken. Measuring the success of the strategy will be a continuous process.