Vol. 401 No. 6
44 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the steps she has taken to mark International Literacy Year; the plans, if any, there are to mark International Literacy Day on 8 September 1990; if she has any plans for additional measures to counter illiteracy; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
In connection with International Literacy Year and my determination to tackle the problem of illiteracy generally, I have undertaken a comprehensive range of measures aimed at the prevention and remediation of illiteracy at all levels.
My objectives in relation to illiteracy are two-fold; first, to prevent illiteracy at school level and, secondly, to address the needs of adult illiteracy through specially tailored and funded programmes.
My approach can be classified under two headings — preventative and curative.
As an example on the preventative side, I have arranged, during 1989/90, for the provision of an additional 95 teachers for primary schools in disadvantaged areas and 30 remedial teachers to supplement the existing cadre of some 900 remedial teachers in primary schools. Furthermore, I provided, during the year, an extra £1 million for the schools' library service.
