According to a recent survey by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), one in six Irish people struggle with literacy while one in four people lacks in terms of numeracy skills. Across a 24-country ranking for these fundamental life skills, Ireland was classified as average or below average in all categories.
The study, carried out by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), assessed 6,000 people between the ages of 16 and 65 in a three-hour test of literacy, numeracy and problem solving involving the use of technology.
The state has been warned that these figures could worsen in the future if continued cuts to education programmes remain.
The study assessed skills in three categories, scoring candidates in levels from one to four. It was found that 17.9 per cent of adults were at or below level one for literacy, placing Ireland in 15th place (out of 24).
Across all levels Ireland was still below the average, 17th overall. Numeracy was also below average with 25 per cent of Irish adults scoring at or below level one for numeracy compared to an average of 20 per cent.
According to Inez Bailey, Director of the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA):
“It provides compelling evidence that mass participation in mainstream education is not sufficient to produce strong literacy and numeracy skills for life.” Skills are developed through life and are not learned once during primary education.”
It's clear from this study that we have a lot of work to do to ensure people with the right skills at every level, including basic skills such as literacy, are available to enterprise as it is vital for Ireland's future economic development and job creation.
Here at the MS READaTHON we aim to do our bit to imrpove falling literacy levels by getting as many kids, parents, schools and libraries as possible involved in our annual campaign. We know how important literacy skills are and we hope that even beyond the MS READaTHON young people are still getting stuck into regular reading.
For more information on literacy in Ireland please see the NALA website.
How do you think literacy and numeracy skills can be improved in Ireland? Let us know in the comments below.