Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 330: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to commission a new study on literacy rates among prisoners; the results of previous reports; the cost of the 2003 study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28665/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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In 2003 the results of a survey commissioned by my Department were published in the Irish Prison Service publication entitled "The Prison Adult Literacy Survey - Results and Implications". The cost of commissioning and publishing the survey was €32,080. The survey found that a significant number of prisoners were not functionally literate, 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. 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 personal self confidence grows they are proactively encouraged to participate in courses which require increased emphasis on the use of text and written format.

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 - work on which commenced in 2009.

There are currently no plans to undertake a further survey.