Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Apr 1992

Vol. 418 No. 1

Written Answers. - Adult Illiteracy.

Jim Higgins

Question:

118 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education if, arising out of the permanent appointments soon to be made following the ending of the embargo on permanent appointments to ESF funded courses, he will outline the growing problem of illiteracy and semi-literacy.

Minister for Education (Mr. S. Brennan)

There is an acknowledged problem of adult illiteracy in particular that of functional illiteracy, in all developed countries. Ireland is no exception but there is no evidence that the problem is in any way increasing.

Various measures to address adult illiteracy are already being taken including those under the adult literacy and community educational scheme and under various training schemes.

I shall be announcing new initiatives in this area in the forthcoming Green Paper.