The National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) welcomes the launch of the new Further Education and Training (FET) Strategy by SOLAS on 6 May 2026.

The strategy sets out how Ireland will work towards being “best in class” for FET over the next five years. Adult literacy is a core part of the FET system.

As the independent voice of adult literacy in Ireland, we made a submission to inform the drafting of this new FET strategy. We are pleased to see that the strategy

• commits to “prioritising adult literacy needs” (p20);
• acknowledges the “general decline” (p20) in literacy and continuing “digital divide” (p11); and
• lists literacy, numeracy and financial literacy as core, foundational competencies (p34).

We also welcome the strategy’s emphasis on digital literacy and digital ways of learning. Ireland must, as the strategy says, “ensure all learners have access to essential digital skills and competencies” (p18). The success of our award-winning eLearning platform and phone tutoring service, Learn with NALA, shows that digital and flexible learning options can work for learners at any level.

We must challenge the strategy on one point. Adults with “low literacy” are listed among groups that are “economically inactive” (p13). In reality, 17% of employees in Ireland today (around 1 in 6) have literacy needs, compared with 21% of adults overall, so adults with literacy needs are economically active and present in many Irish workplaces – see our factsheet on employment.

We look forward to working with SOLAS and others on the strategy’s actions around adult literacy, including

• implementing the next phase of the Adult Literacy for Life strategy
• holding a mid-term review of the ALL strategy
• considering the recommendations of the Literacy Provision Expert Group (NALA was a member)

Over the next five years, under this new FET strategy, we will continue to advocate for the best possible learning opportunities and literacy-friendly services for adults with literacy needs.

Links

• Creating Futures: Further Education and Training Strategy 2026-2030 [PDF]
• NALA submission to Further and Education Strategy 2025-2029 Consultation