Jan O'Sullivan
Question:127 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science his response to the recent call from the INTO to establish a national literacy committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23001/01]
Written Answers. - Literacy Levels.
On my appointment as Minister for Education and Science I expressed my concern in regard to the number of school children with low literacy levels. I am aware from the national English reading survey of fifth class pupils in primary schools that about 10% of these pupils have serious reading difficulties. These surveys, conducted in 1993 and 1998 indicated that there has been no significant change in reading standards over the past 20 years. I have already expressed my deep interest in the area of literacy and I am taking steps to raise the standards of literacy among school children. A large number of measures have already been put in place to address the problem of low literacy levels among school children.
At the moment, discussions in my Department about this issue including this proposal from the INTO are in progress. I attach great importance to the development of literacy within the education system and within the adult population in general. The national reading initiative, established by my Department, conducted a campaign to raise awareness in the community generally of the importance of literacy development. Many groups and agencies within the education sector and in non-governmental organisations and associations are co-operating successfully to improve literacy standards. A considerable number of these groups have had long experience and have been engaged in a range of innovative, pioneering developments. A partnership approach among these various groups could make a positive contribution to improving literacy standards and make a valuable input to policy formulation. Consideration is already being given to establishing such a committee as proposed by the INTO under the national anti-poverty strategy for the next six to seven years. I have, therefore, asked officials in my Department to draw up proposals to see how the experience and creative energies of a variety of groups and individuals can be harnessed to improve literacy standards. I will be making a further announcement on this matter in the near future.