New survey shows 700,000 adults have literacy needs
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Ireland took part in the International survey of adult skills in 2023. The results were released on 10 December 2024.
The survey shows that:
In literacy, 21% of adults aged 16 to 65 are at level 1 or below. This means around 700,000 people may find it difficult to read instructions and follow them. Ireland is 13th out of the 31 countries surveyed.
In numeracy, 25% of adults aged 16 to 65 are at level 1 or below. This means around 835,000 people may struggle with working out a percentage or discount. Ireland is 18th out of the 31 countries surveyed.
In adaptive problem solving, 28% of adults aged 16 to 65 are at level 1 or below. This means around 935,000 people may struggle with working out how to get from A to B in the fastest time. Ireland is 17th out of the 31 countries surveyed.
About the survey
The survey was conducted in 31 countries under the direction and supervision of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
It is an international computer-based household survey of adults aged 16 to 65 years. It is designed in 10-yearly cycles.
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) carried out the survey between September 2022 and June 2023.
In Ireland 3,820 people did the survey.
For more information:
Results from Ireland on Central Statistics Office (CSO) website
OECD report: Do Adults Have the Skills They Need to Thrive in a Changing World?