Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 121: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures he proposes to take to address the high levels of illiteracy among the prison population here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21136/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Irish Prison Service publication entitled "The Prison Adult Literacy Survey — Results and Implications" published in September 2003 showed that a significant number of prisoners have very low levels of literacy — 52% of them were at Level 1 or Pre-Level 1 literacy levels. In other words, more than twice as many prisoners are at the lowest level as compared with the general population.

Literacy work has been a strong element of the Prison Education curriculum since the early 1980's and continues to be a priority element of the Prison Education curriculum. A number of significant initiatives commenced or were strengthened since the publication of that report which paralleled efforts to address adult literacy in the community.

The literacy curriculum concentrates on the needs of the individual and respects the adult status of the student, his/her prior knowledge, skills and life experience. It is also concerned with improving self-esteem and building confidence.

An Adult Basic Education Development Worker is employed with specific responsibility for implementing and supporting developments and initiatives in the area of literacy, numeracy, English for speakers of other languages and basic education. Because of the literacy deficit of the prisoner population, literacy work forms an element of more than just the timetabled literacy classes. All teachers are aware of the literacy needs and these are dealt with as part of the general coursework of prisoners. This is a very effective method of linking the literacy learning programme of prisoners to an area they can engage with and is widely used in adult education.

The Irish Prison Service is implementing the new assessment framework devised by the National Adult Literacy Agency; "Mapping the Learning Journey", an assessment framework that identifies learner progress, provides tangible feedback and indicates areas on which to focus. It is a useful tool for both learning and teaching.

Progress has been made linking the education and training needs of prisoners in recent years, with the literacy action plan prepared by the prison education unit of each prison becoming one vehicle for integrating the efforts of the education and training sectors in prisons. Peer tutoring, promoting family literacy and developing post-release support for prisoners who undertake literacy tuition in prison are also promoted by the Prison Education staff wherever feasible.

Each student coming into the Prison Education Centre will have an individual interview to assess his/her educational needs and interests. Those with literacy difficulties are prioritised and slotted into class almost immediately. Every effort is made to publicise literacy classes and encourage as many prisoners as possible to avail of classes.

While the Irish Prison Service recognises the progress that has been achieved to date, it also accepts that further work is required. To this end the Irish Prison Service are in the process of appointing a dedicated Literacy and Numeracy Development Officer. The Officer will be responsible for developing and implementing a strategy, including an action plan to address literacy needs. This appointment will drive the development and implementation of adult literacy policy and practice within the prison environment.