Literacy Levels

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 November 2012

Wednesday, 21 November 2012

Questions (78)

Nicky McFadden

Question:

78. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Education and Skills the policies, programmes and practices in place to address the findings of the last international survey on adult literacy that showed one in four Irish adults have significant literacy difficulties; if he has considered the recent reports undertaken by Economic and Social Research Ireland and National Adult Literacy Agency on literacy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51718/12]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

I am aware of the findings of the reports prepared for NALA by the ESRI. Adult Literacy is a key priority for my Government and commitments have been included in the Programme for Government to reflect the importance of adults possessing adequate literacy skills to enhance their employment opportunities and well-being.

The international survey referred to by the Deputy was undertaken in 1995 and reported on in 1997. Since 1997, annual funding has increased from €1 million to €30 million in 2012. The annual number of participants has increased from 5,000 to over 56,000 in 2011. The adult literacy service is free and confidential. It is available as a stand-alone tuition programme in a variety of formats and for specific cohorts. Ireland is currently participating in the OECD Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies. The results of this survey will be available in October 2013.