Right to Read Literacy Conference

The Right to Read Literacy Conference will take place in Dublin Castle on 23rd September 2015 to launch the implementation of Local Authority literacy support networks, set out in the Programme for Government 2011-2016.

The conference will be opened by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Alan Kelly. T.D. and will provide a basis for the establishment of co-ordinated literacy support by local authorities within communities.

Keynote speaker: H.R.H. Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands, UNESCO Special Envoy for Literacy for Development

Programme

9.00– 10.00 Registration & Refreshments

Showcase

Session One

10.00-10.15

Opening and Welcome,

Mr. Alan Kelly, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

10.15-11.00

Keynote address,

H.R.H. Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands, UNESCO Special Envoy on Literacy for Development

Chair: Mr. Paul Lemass, Assistant Secretary, Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

11.00–11.15 Coffee Break

Session Two

11.15-11.45

'Right to Read Campaign'

Mr. Aodhán Ó'Ríordáin, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of the

Justice and Equality and Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht with special

responsibility for Equality, New Communities and Culture and Drugs Strategy

11.45-12.15

'A National Framework for Literary Support'

Mr. Joseph Nugent, Chief Executive Officer, Local Government Management Agency

12.15-12.45

'Reading in Ireland: What we have learned (and not learned) from educational research'

Dr. Peter Archer, Chief Executive of the Educational Research Centre, St Patrick’s College and Member, OECD PISA Governing Board

Questions & Answers

Chair: Ms. Margaret Hayes, Dublin City Librarian and Member, Libraries Development Committee, Local Government Management Agency

12.45–13.30 Lunch

Session Three

13.30-14.00

'Local Authorities Supporting Literature'

Mr. Tom Coughlan, Chief Executive, Clare County Council and Chairperson, Libraries Development Committee, Local Government Management Agency

14.00–14.30

'Smart Ideas and Common Strategies - a Norwegian Perspective on Public Libraries and Literacy'

Ms. Leikny Haga Indergaard, Library Director, Bergen Public Library, Norway

Questions & Answers

Chair: Mr. Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Leitrim County Council and Member, Right to Read National Steering Group

14.45–15.00 Coffee Break

Session Four

15.00-15.30

'National Literacy Trust Hubs'

Mr. Jason Vit, Communities and Local Areas, National Literacy Trust, UK

15.30-16.00

'Review of National and International Best Practice'

Dr. Finian O’Shea and Dr Máirín Wilson, Lecturers, Church of Ireland College of Education

Questions & Answers

Chair: Ms. Eileen Burgess, County Librarian/Divisional Manager Cultural Services, Donegal County Counciland Chair, Public Libraries Working Group on Literacy and Reading Development

16.15-16.30 Conclusions and Closing

Parking is not available at Dublin Castle. Christchurch carpark is only a short walk from the Corke Hill entrance of Dublin Castle. See https://bookings.parkrite.ie/CarPark/ListDetails/6 for details.