Ministers Lawless and Harkin urge adults to build confidence with new devices and boost essential skills in the New Year
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Ó: An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta
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Many adults across the country opened smartphones, tablets or laptops this Christmas—but for some, the excitement is mixed with uncertainty about how to use them confidently.
Today, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD and Minister of State for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills Marian Harkin TD are encouraging adults to take the next step and build their digital, literacy, financial and numeracy skills through courses available nationwide.
The Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) strategy provides people who may have left school early—or simply want to refresh their abilities—the chance to return to learning in a supportive, practical environment. Courses help adults strengthen reading, writing, numeracy and digital skills, offering pathways into further education, training, employment, and increased confidence in everyday life.
Minister Lawless said:
"A new device should open doors, not create barriers. This is the perfect time to invest in yourself and reconnect with learning. Whether it’s reading a document, sending an email, budgeting online or using apps, these courses give people the skills they need. Modern life moves fast, everyone should feel confident navigating it, and supports are available in every community to make that possible."
Noting the growing importance of digital skills in work, community and family life, Minister Harkin said:
“Across Ireland, adults are discovering how much they can achieve when they have the right support. If you have a new phone or tablet but aren’t sure how to get the best from it, you are not alone. Local Education and Training Boards are here to help you learn at your own pace and unlock its potential. There is no stigma—only opportunity.”
Director of the Adult Literacy for Life Programme Office at SOLAS, Yvonne McKenna, emphasised the impact of these supports:
“Confidence in essential skills—whether digital, literacy, or numeracy—opens doors for individuals and strengthens communities. Through Adult Literacy for Life, we’re committed to making learning accessible and impactful. The Collaboration and Innovation Fund, now open for applications, is a key part of this vision, enabling organisations to develop creative projects that support adults in building the skills they need for everyday life and work. Find out more and apply at https://www.adultliteracyforlife.ie/fund/."
Adults interested in digital literacy, reading, writing or numeracy support are encouraged to contact their local Education and Training Board. For more information, go to https://www.adultliteracyforlife.ie/free-courses/.
Note to editor
Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) is a 10-year cross-government strategy with a national programme office in SOLAS that drives its implementation. Launched in 2021, the strategy 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.
Further information can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-further-and-higher-education-research-innovation-and-science/publications/adult-literacy-for-life-a-10-year-adult-literacy-strategy/#full-strategy-reports-and-infographics and at https://www.solas.ie/alnd-strategy/.