• The literacy issue in Ireland

I want to know more about literacy

Is there a literacy issue amoung adults in Ireland?

Much work has been done in raising awareness, understanding and appropriate responses to the adult literacy issue and in developing good quality teaching and organisation. In 1997 the results of the International Adult Literacy Survey indicated that 25% of adults in Ireland had some degree of difficulty with everyday literacy and numeracy tasks. This led to substantial improvements in funding for adult literacy
provision in various settings and the numbers of literacy learners and tutors has significantly increased. In 2000 adult literacy was given the top priority in the first White Paper on Adult Education.

However to maintain and improve access to learning opportunities for adults with literacy needs continuing work is required. In addition to the 500,000 adults identified in the 1997 survey, research shows that one in ten children are leaving primary school with very limited literacy skills (Kellaghan et al, 2000).

How important are good literacy skills?

Literacy and numeracy skills are part of everyday life. Think of all the notices and signs around us, how we use money everyday and send text messages. Everywhere we go we are faced with text, numbers and technology.

NALA’s view is that while literacy is clearly linked to economic development and employment, it must not be limited to issues of economics. Literacy is deeply connected with the rights of individuals and communities: it is about their right to have a voice in society; to continue and extend their education; to read and to be read.