Vol. 448 No. 6
171 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education Ireland's national figures for adult literacy; the comparative figures for other EU member states; the proposals, if any, she has to address adult literacy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2797/95]
179 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has for a national survey of literacy problems, as recommended by the Green Paper on Education and the National Education Convention; when such a survery will be completed; and the format of such a survey. [2807/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 179 together.
Reliable data on the incidence of illiteracy in Ireland are not available at present. It is likely, however, that the broad figure corresponds to that in other EU member states.
A national survey on adult literacy is at present being carried out on behalf of my Department by the Educational Research Centre as part of an international survey.
The international report is due to be available in December next and the national one a few months later.
The reports will show the literacy levels in the population for each county, the factors associated with these levels and the level of activity in adult education as a related matter. There will also be proposals in the national report for future developments concerning literacy in Ireland.
The provision for adult literacy and community-based education for disadvantaged adults has been substantially increased in recent years and the policy document A Government of Renewal contains a commitment to the investment of special resources in adult literacy and adult education schemes.
A report by the Education Research Centre in 1994 on the adult literacy and community education scheme is at present under consideration in the Department. This scheme is the Department's main instrument in addressing adult literacy.
