Thursday, 17 September 2026
Annual Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Forum 2026 to focus on Building a Love of Numeracy: From Play to Empowered Problem Solving
The annual Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Forum is taking place today (Thursday, 17 September) with a special focus on ways to address mathematics anxiety among children and young people.
The forum, which is being held at the Law Society of Ireland’s headquarters in Blackhall Place in Dublin. reinforces the importance of a positive relationship with numeracy from the earliest years.
A key aim of Ireland’s Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy 2024-2033 is to enhance children’s and young people’s literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills to help them navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
This year’s Forum will feature Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, Associate Professor in Mathematics Education alongside a series of practical workshops led by experts from early years, primary and post-primary education.
Session will explore innovative approaches to mathematics teaching and learning, strategies to build numeracy confidence, and ways to address mathematics anxiety among children and young people.
Minister for Children Disability and Equality, Norma Foley said:
“Confidence in numeracy starts early, through play, curiosity and positive experience. This forum is about turning ambition into practical action and ensuring that children are supported to develop a lifelong confidence in numeracy.
“We want children to see numeracy as a playground for their ideas, not a source of anxiety. The foundations we build in early years can shape how children feel about numeracy for years to come.
Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegrade Naughton said:
“A positive relationship with numeracy can open doors for children and young people, helping them to develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive in school and throughout their lives. Whether it is managing finances, understanding information, solving problems or pursuing further study and careers, numeracy plays a vital role.
“Through our Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy 2024-2033, we are committed to ensuring that every learner is supported to reach their full potential in numeracy. I am delighted that today’s forum will showcase innovative practice from schools and provide an opportunity for educators to share approaches that help build confidence, reduce mathematics anxiety and support successful learning outcomes for all students.”
The event built on the success of last year’s forum held in Dublin Castle in April 2025.
The keynote speaker and workshops this year included:
- Dr. Aoibhinn Ní Shuilleabhaín, Institute of Education, Dublin City University
- Dr. Sandra O’Neill, Síolta Aistear Team Lead with Better Start
- Róisín Neururer, School of Mathematics and Statistics, University College Dublin
- Julie Winget Power, Programme Coordinator and lecturer on the BA Early Childhood Education and Care Programme in Dublin’s Technology University
- Breed Murphy and Dr. Claire Carroll, Mary Immaculate College
- Dr Siún Nic Mhuirí, Institute of Education Dublin City University and Jennifer Holligan, St Cronan’s SNS, Swords and the Institute of Education Dublin City University.
Participants also heard from Early Learning and Care settings and schools that showcased inspiring numeracy initiatives and their positive impact on learners.
There were presentations from:
- CASPr Early Years, North East Inner City, Dublin.
- St. Mary’s National School, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny
- Newport College, County Tipperary.
Notes to Editor
Background
Ireland’s Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy 2024-2033: Every Learner from Birth to Young Adulthood builds on the achievements and ambition of the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy 2011-2020 and the 2017 interim review. The strategy continues the journey to nurture and enhance literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills from birth to young adulthood to ensure that every individual is equipped with the essential skills to navigate and succeed in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
The areas for development and action, as identified in the strategy, span five pillars:
Pillar 1: Enabling parents and communities to support learners’ literacy, numeracy and digital literacy.
Pillar 2: Supporting the professional practice of early years educators, childminders and teachers.
Pillar 3: Supporting leadership in early learning and care and in the school system.
Pillar 4: Improving the learner experience through curriculum, pedagogy and assessment.
Pillar 5: Supporting diverse learners to achieve their potential.
A comprehensive five-year implementation plan has been developed which serves as the blueprint that transforms the strategy into actionable steps. It outlines the specific actions and initiatives that will be undertaken. Measuring the success of the strategy will be a continuous process.
