Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has commissioned studies on literacy rates among prisoners; the results of such reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21610/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The findings of the most recent survey commissioned by my Department were published in 2003 in the Irish Prison Service publication entitled "The Prison Adult Literacy Survey - Results and Implications". The survey found that a significant number of prisoners have virtually no literacy skills, with 52% of them at Level 1 or Pre-Level 1 literacy levels. Level 1 is defined as knowing the alphabet but having difficulties with reading. Pre-Level 1 is defined as being unable to read simple words but with the ability to write their names or know the alphabet. More than twice as many prisoners are at the lowest level compared with the population generally. Given this deficit, literacy work is a priority element in prison education and every effort is made to publicise literacy classes and encourage as many prisoners as possible to participate.

Prisoners coming into the Education Centre of each prison have an individual interview to assess their educational needs and interests. Those with literacy difficulties are prioritised for support. Many prisoners have had poor experiences of school and see themselves as failures. They are encouraged to participate in non-academic pursuits to enhance their perception of school and education, and to stimulate a general interest in learning. Once their confidence begins to grow, they can participate in classes where written work is required.

Following on the recommendations of the 2003 survey a number of significant initiatives commenced or were strengthened in the prisons. These initiatives parallel efforts to address adult literacy in the community. Among these are the fuller use of negotiated learning plans for all literacy students, introducing and supporting the FETAC level 1 and level 2 courses, the introduction of the National Adult Literacy Agency's assessment framework "Mapping the Learning Journey", devising and delivering the national 30-hour Initial Tutor Training course for new teachers and drawing up and rolling out a national Literacy Plan for Prison Education.