asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, to combat adult illiteracy, if he will give details of any recent figures on the extent of this problem, if he has satisfied himself that the existing primary school system is eliminating the incidence of illiteracy, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Adult Illiteracy.
88.
Programmes in the adult literacy area are being provided by organisations involved in the provision of adult education courses. Such organisations would include vocational education committees and voluntary agencies engaged in adult education.
In the absence of specific criteria by which adult illiteracy might be defined reliable estimates of the extent of the problem are not available. In so far as primary schools are concerned I would refer the Deputy to the reply to Questions Nos. 24 and 25 of 17 May last.
I am confident that the elimination of large classes together with the creation of new posts as remedial teachers will lead to an improvement in literacy skills. My recent proposals for the appointment of 50 adult education organisers will assist in assessing the demand for literacy courses in their respective areas and in the provision of courses to meet such expressed.