Literacy and numeracy in Ireland
One in five adults struggle with understanding basic written text. One in four struggle with doing simple maths.
Literacy, numeracy and digital literacy statistics
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Adult Skills Survey 2023 shows that 21%, or about 1 in 5, adults aged 16 to 65 in Ireland are at or below level 1 on a five-level literacy scale. At this level a person may be unable to understand basic written information.
25% or 1 in 4 adults in Ireland score at or below level 1 for numeracy. At this level a person may struggle with doing simple calculations.
According to a 2020 study by the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop), 38% of adults aged 25-64 in Ireland, or about 2 in 5 adults, have below basic digital skills. This means a person may have trouble using everyday technology like smartphones and computers.
What do we mean by literacy?
In the past, literacy was considered to be the ability to read and write. Today the meaning of literacy has changed to reflect changes in society and the skills needed by individuals to participate fully in society. It involves listening, speaking, reading, writing, numeracy and using everyday technology like smartphones and computers to communicate and handle information.
Why do people have unmet literacy needs?
There are many reasons why people struggle with reading, technology, or working with numbers. Some may have left school early. Others may not have found learning relevant to their needs. The 2022 census found that nearly 25% of adults (aged 15 and older) in Ireland have only Junior Certificate or less, while 10% have only primary level or no formal qualifications at all.
Most adults with unmet literacy needs can read something but find it hard to do certain tasks like fill in a form or search for information online. Some will have left school confident about their literacy skills but find that changes in their workplace and everyday life make their skills inadequate. For example, if a person doesn’t often have to use their writing skills at work or at home, they could easily get out of practise and lose confidence. Literacy is like a muscle. If you don’t use skills every day you can get out of practise.
There is also a stigma attached to unmet literacy, numeracy and digital literacy needs. Often people feel too embarrassed to return to learning and go to great extremes to hide their needs from their friends and family, which makes the situation worse.
Why is it important?
Unmet literacy needs have a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities. People with unmet literacy needs are more likely to have low educational attainment, to earn less income and to be unemployed.
Adults who struggle with literacy are more likely to report poor health and to believe that they have little impact on political processes. They are less likely to trust others and have lower life satisfaction. These findings all come from the OECD Survey of Adult Skills 2023.
NALA research has also found that unmet literacy needs costs public services, businesses and the economy millions each year.
Taken together, the research shows the importance of literacy skills for a more inclusive society.
Literacy services in Ireland
Currently in Ireland there are thousands of adults attending literacy courses nationwide. These services are mainly provided by Education and Training Board (ETB) Adult Literacy Services. The National Adult Literacy Agency also offers a Learn with NALA service where adults can learn with a tutor over the phone or internet in the comfort of their own home.
Adult learning is a very different experience to school. Adult learning is all about addressing the needs of the learner, working at a pace that suits them and mapping out a learning path that fits in with their life and interests.
Adult literacy is co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union.
In September 2021, the Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) Strategy was launched by SOLAS. This is the Government’s 10-year strategy for adult literacy, numeracy and digital literacy in Ireland.
The ALL Strategy takes a whole-of-society approach to creating awareness of the importance of literacy and is a key step in achieving Ireland’s goal of a fully inclusive and equitable society and economy. The ALL Strategy aims to ensure that every adult has the necessary literacy, numeracy and digital literacy to fully engage in society and realise their potential.
Find out more about Adult Literacy for Life
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