Vol. 509 No. 6
555 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if there is evidence of a serious literacy problem among school leavers; whether the evidence indicates that this problem is confined to certain geographical areas; if so, which areas; the steps, if any, he has taken to improve literacy standards, particularly in schools designated disadvantaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21140/99]
The information available to my Department in relation to literacy standards refers to standards achieved by children who are in attendance at school. It does not inform us about the literacy standards of school leavers.
In 1991 Irish 14 year-olds participated in the IEA international study of reading literacy. The results of this study indicted that between 6.5 per cent to 8.5 per cent of Irish 14 year olds had serious literacy difficulties. The data collected in this research did not refer to geographical areas.
In 1997, I published the results of a national adult literacy survey, commissioned by my Department in association with the OECD international adult literacy survey. The results of this survey showed that 16 per cent of the Irish adult population between the ages of 16 to 25 years functioned at the lowest level, indicating serious literacy difficulties. There was evidence that those who do not complete second level education have lower levels of literacy.
A range of schemes is already in place in disadvantaged areas and these consist of the early start pre-school project, the breaking the cycle pilot project, the home-school community liaison scheme and the new eight to 15 year old early school leavers initiative. All of these should have a positive effect on raising standards of literacy in these schools.
In addition, remedial teaching provision has been extended to all primary and secondary schools. Among the strategies being encouraged are earlier identification and a sharper focus on supporting pupils with learning difficulties and more intensive interventions.
