Addressing the digital divide and enhancing digital skills

The reform aims to support the digital transformation of education and training at all levels (schools, third level, lifelong learning), mainstream essential digital skills across all settings, and address the risk of a digital divide. The reform consists of the publication of a Digital Strategy for Schools 2021-2027, the publication of a 10 Year Adult Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy to help individuals build their digital skills, an increase in the number of graduates with high level ICT skills, and also facilitated access to ICT devices by enabling education institutions to provide laptops to disadvantaged students.

The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 builds on the achievements and ambition of the previous Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020 and aims to further support the school system to ensure that all learners have the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills they need to successfully navigate an ever evolving digital world. The Digital Strategy will be underpinned by capital funding of €200m over the period of the Strategy.

The Digital Strategy for Schools was published on 13 April 2022. The Adult Literacy for Life Strategy was published on international literacy day 8 September 2021. Implementation of the whole measure, including the Adult Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy and associated measures, is expected by 31 December 2022..

More information can be found on the website of the Irish government here.