We invite you to attend a seminar where we will discuss opportunities for more research on the causes and effects of poor adult literacy and numeracy in Ireland.

Seminar: Adult literacy and numeracy in Ireland – opportunities for academic and social research

Date: Friday 26 September

Venue: Room 8, Newman House,St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2

Time 9.30 am – 12 pm

We know from our work in this area that improving literacy skills can bring massive benefits to families and communities, reduce the risk of unemployment, and bring broader social returns in terms of reduced crime and better health. People often ask why we still have a literacy problem in Ireland. Why hasn’t it improved? Research is at the heart of answering these questions and providing real solutions that will initiate change. The focus of our research seminar will be to discuss the role of academic and social researchers in carrying out research in this area and explore opportunities for collaboration.

Agenda

09.30.  Registration

09.45   Welcome and introduction. Tina Byrne, research Officer NALA

09.50   Opening Address: Aodhan O’Riordian, Minister of State for New Communities, Culture and Equality

10.05   Results for Ireland from international literacy surveys. Professor Mark Morgan: Trinity College Dublin.

10.25   Economic impact of literacy difficulties. Ms. Elish Kelly: Economic and Social Research Institute.

10.45   Family literacy. Dr. Maggie Feeley, University College Dublin.

11.05   Health literacy. Ms. Sarah Gibney, University College Dublin.

11.25.  The importance of practice related research. Dr. Maeve O’Grady, Waterford Institute of Technology.

11.30   Open discussion

You can register for this event here.