Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

In 1995, Ireland participated in an international literacy survey of adults conducted by the OECD, which found that approximately 25% of Irish adults between 16 and 64 years old were at the lowest literacy level — level one. Those are the most recent statistics available. However, Ireland has agreed to participate in the initial development work and feasibility study for a new survey to be carried out by the OECD entitled the programme for international assessment of adult competencies, PIAAC. This survey of adult competencies, including literacy and numeracy, is due to be completed in 2012 to 2013. Participation in the main study will be decided on the basis of the results of the development work and feasibility study.

On foot of the 1995 survey findings, the Government identified improving adult literacy as the top priority in adult education. That has been reflected in the funding for adult literacy, which has increased incrementally from €1 million in 1997 to €30 million in 2007. In the same period, the number of participants has increased from 5,000 to approximately 44,000. A total of 3,000 additional places were provided in 2007 in line with commitments in the Towards 2016 partnership agreement and the programme for Government. Since 2000, more than a quarter of a million learners have availed of the adult literacy services.

Adult literacy will also be an important aspect of the work of the interdepartmental committee that I chair and which is preparing an implementation plan for the national skills strategy. Adult literacy services are funded by my Department through annual grants to the vocational education committees, VECs, which deliver the services locally. Community groups and community development projects may also apply to their local VEC for funding to provide adult literacy tuition. A number of different initiatives have also been developed to tackle adult literacy. Those include the intensive tuition in adult basic education programme, ITABE, which provides up to six hours of tuition per week to learners instead of the normal two hours;——

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