Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
1329. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) Oversight Group last met; when the National Literacy Coalition last met; the reasons for the apparent pause in meetings since summer 2024; and his timeline and plans for the restructuring of governance arrangements referenced in the Budget 2026 Expenditure Report. [36959/26]
View answer1330. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether any interim governance or decision-making structures are currently in place for the ALL Strategy in the absence of regular meetings of the Oversight Group and National Literacy Coalition; and how stakeholder engagement is being maintained during this period. [36960/26]
View answer1331. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current status of the independent mid-term review of the Adult Literacy for Life Strategy; when it is expected to commence and conclude; and whether the review will be published. [36961/26]
View answer1332. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the consultation process that is planned as part of the mid-term review of the ALL Strategy; whether key stakeholders, including the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA), adult learners, and education and training providers, will be involved; and how the Oireachtas Committee will be enabled to contribute. [36962/26]
View answer1333. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress that has been made against the key targets of the Adult Literacy for Life Strategy since its launch in 2021; and whether updated performance indicators will be published alongside the mid-term review. [36963/26]
View answer1334. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way in which his Department is ensuring cross Government accountability for delivery of the ALL Strategy, given its whole of government approach; and which Minister has overall responsibility for its implementation. [36964/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1329 to 1334, inclusive, together.
The Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) Strategy is a ten-year national strategy launched in September 2021. Implementation is coordinated through the National Programme Office in SOLAS, which manages annual work plans from the Regional Literacy Coalitions.
Implementation and stakeholder engagement, a key pillar of the Strategy, continues through national and regional structures, including:
• Regular meetings between the ALL National Programme Office, Regional Literacy Coordinators and their line managers to ensure alignment between national priorities and regional delivery.
• Sixteen Regional Adult Literacy Coalitions, with over 200 member organisations nationwide. These coalitions submit an annual plan to the ALL National Programme Office, which liaises directly with the Department.
Governance and oversight are supported by the Cross-Government Implementation Group, the ALL National Programme Office, the National Literacy Coalition, Regional Literacy Coordinators and Regional Literacy Coalitions.
As set out in the Strategy, an independent mid-term review is underway to assess progress and inform the second half of implementation. SOLAS recently issued a tender for this review. Applications for this closed on 15 May. The review is expected to complete by Q4 2026.
The review will assess governance and implementation, progress against actions and targets, achievements, and challenges. It will also consider the continued relevance of the Strategy’s actions, targets and measures. It will include structured engagement with key stakeholders, including officials from my Department, the National Literacy Coalition, the Literacy Provision Expert Group, Regional Literacy Coordinators and Education and Training Boards. The review may also engage with the Joint Oireachtas Committee if requested.
Following completion, the final report will guide future priorities, any realignment of actions and inform governance improvements for the remainder of the Strategy.
