DUBLIN, 17 June 2025 — Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, and Minister of State Marian Harkin have announced over €1 million in funding for projects across Ireland aimed at improving adult literacy, numeracy, digital, and financial literacy skills.
The funding was revealed during the ‘Literacy Changing Lives’ showcase event held at Croke Park, hosted by the Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) National Programme Office at SOLAS. The event brought together adult learners, educators, and community organisations to highlight the transformative impact of literacy-focused initiatives nationwide.
Now in its third year, the Collaboration and Innovation Fund—administered by the ALL National Programme Office—has supported over 270 projects to date. These initiatives are designed to help adults with unmet literacy and digital skill needs, with a focus on inclusion, empowerment, and equal access to services and opportunities.
Ministers Highlight the Importance of Inclusive Literacy Support
Speaking at the event, Minister Marian Harkin praised the range and impact of community-led initiatives:
“I am delighted to see first-hand the incredible work being carried out across the country through these innovative projects and partnerships. Literacy remains a challenge for many—one in five Irish adults aged 16 to 65 are at or below Level 1 in literacy. This means they struggle with reading and understanding everyday text. The Collaboration and Innovation Fund is a vital investment, enabling communities to deliver targeted support that helps people build essential skills and fully participate in society.”
Minister James Lawless also emphasised the government’s commitment:
“Literacy is foundational for personal empowerment and economic inclusion. Through the Adult Literacy for Life strategy, we are creating opportunities for every adult to improve their literacy and digital skills. The Collaboration and Innovation Fund fosters innovative, people-centred partnerships that are dismantling barriers and driving real progress.”
Community Impact and Project Highlights
Yvonne McKenna, Director of the Adult Literacy for Life Office at SOLAS, underscored the broad reach and effectiveness of funded projects:
“The diversity and depth of the initiatives we support through the Fund are truly inspiring. These projects are driving real change at the local level and demonstrating the power of partnership in tackling literacy challenges. Today’s showcase is a chance to celebrate success, share best practices, and generate new ideas for collaboration.”
Highlighted examples included:
- A heritage and storytelling initiative in Roscrea that used local history to promote literacy engagement.
- A podcast project produced with members of the Traveller community in Blanchardstown, supporting digital literacy and self-expression.
All initiatives contribute to the broader goals of the 10-year Adult Literacy for Life strategy, which seeks to make Ireland a more inclusive and equal society through improved literacy access.
Boost for Financial Literacy
This year, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) contributed €250,000 to support a dedicated financial literacy strand within the Fund. As a result, 29 financial literacy projects have received funding in 2025, expanding support for essential life skills related to budgeting, managing money, and understanding financial products.
Launch of Free Online Plain Language Course
Also unveiled at the event was a new free online course focused on the use of plain language. Developed by the ALL Office, the course is designed to help individuals and organisations communicate more clearly and accessibly with the public—particularly those with literacy challenges.
The course is available at: www.adultliteracyforlife.ie/aware/plain-language-course
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