More adults struggling with reading, writing, and numbers in Ireland now than 10 years ago

The latest figures published by the OECD show Ireland is not moving in the right direction for adult literacy and numeracy, said Nala chief executive Colleen Dube. File picture

There are more adults in Ireland today struggling with reading, writing, and numbers than there were 10 years ago, despite government strategies, the National Adult Literacy Agency (Nala) has warned. 

Ireland is falling behind on key literacy targets as more than one in five adults (750,000 adults) do not have basic literacy skills, and more than one in four (835,000 adults) have numeracy needs. 

According to Nala, these people are likely to struggle with everyday tasks such as reading medicine instructions, budgeting, or engaging critically with online content. The figures are also particularly high in certain sectors important to the Irish economy, including construction and transportation. 

There are also an estimated 640,000 adults with digital literacy needs who find it difficult to engage with AI and other digital services. 

The latest figures published by the OECD show Ireland is not moving in the right direction for adult literacy and numeracy, said Nala chief executive Colleen Dube.

"The share of adults with literacy needs has increased over the past decade while levels of numeracy needs have remained unchanged. Due to population growth, this means there are now more adults with literacy and numeracy needs in Ireland than there were ten years ago." 

She said about 640,000 adults in Ireland do not have basic digital literacy skills "at a time when the digital demands of everyday life continue to increase, whether that is accessing public services, managing finances, engaging in education, or participating in the workplace". 

"As Ireland focuses on AI, the green transition, and future skills, we cannot overlook the foundational skills that make all future learning possible. 

"Literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy underpin workforce participation, lifelong learning, and social inclusion. If Ireland is serious about building a resilient, skilled, and adaptable workforce, then investment in literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy must remain a national priority.”

Learning supports 

The agency's 'Learn with Nala' service currently supports more than 3,500 students at Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Levels 1 to 3. 

However, growing demand and no increase in funding since 2022 have led Nala to pause the registration of new centres and set up a waiting list.

In its pre-Budget submission, published today, Nala has called on the Department of Further and Higher Education to fast track the completion of three reports on key policy areas and ring fence the funding required to implement their recommendations. 

This includes the report of the Expert Group on Literacy Provision, the mid-term review of the Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) strategy, and the strategic advice notes from the National Skills Council (NSC). 

It is also seeking €500,000 to open 150 more Learn with Nala centres. There are currently 36 centres, approximately 500 adult learners, on its waiting list including  prisons,  probation services, disability services, local youth services and organisations working with people in recovery. 

The submission also calls for €100,000 to continue the roll-out of the prison literacy ambassador programme, which supports one of the vulnerable cohorts identified under the ALL strategy. 

• Jess Casey is Education Correspondent.