Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:128 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education if she will outline her views on the high rate of illiteracy among children leaving primary schools as was reported in the national media recently.
Written Answers. - Illiteracy Among Children.
I do not accept that there is a high rate of illiteracy among children leaving primary schools. On the contrary, the results of national surveys which have been conducted periodically since 1972 by professional staff of my Department indicate that there has been a significant improvement in reading standards since the early seventies.
However, I am concerned to ensure that all possible measures be taken to further improve levels of literacy, and in particular to address the needs of low achievers in this area. Any follow-up action needed will be decided following completion of the consultative process on the report of the Primary Curriculum Review Body.