Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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684. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department monitors the number of children who complete either primary school or secondary school but who remain illiterate or functionally illiterate; to provide a summary of the most recent findings in that regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11820/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Ireland’s Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy 2024-2033: Every Learner from Birth to Young Adulthood and associated implementation plan set out a clear vision and many measures to support all children and young adults in developing literacy and numeracy skills.

The strategy is set across all stages of the learner’s journey from early learning and care to post-primary school. Central to the strategy, is the recognition of the importance of early intervention and support in establishing a strong foundation in literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy during a child’s formative years. As learners progress beyond early childhood, the strategy outlines the importance of providing tailored interventions at primary and post-primary school level. This includes initiatives aimed at enhancing teaching practices, curriculum development, and assessment methodologies to better support literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy skill development.

Assessment allows the gathering of evidence about how well students are learning, and using this information to improve the learning opportunities provided for them are essential elements in ensuring that each student makes good progress in developing literacy and numeracy skills. There are many types of assessment including teacher observation on a daily basis, standardised testing etc. Standardised testing in reading and mathematics is carried out in 2nd, 4th and 6th class in primary school. Primary schools are required to report aggregate standardised test results to the Department of Education annually. The Department does not publish this data but uses it to inform supports provided by the Department in relation to literacy and numeracy. The use of the test data in this way helps to ensure that those children and young people with the greatest level of need in literacy and numeracy receive the most support.

Ireland participates in a number of international and national tests to assess literacy, numeracy and science attainment at both primary and post-primary level:

• Progress in International Reading Study (PIRLS).
• Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS).
• Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).
• National Assessment in Mathematics and English Reading (NAMER).