There was a full house at today’s event in Dublin’s CHQ Building to hear recent research into literacy and numeracy skills, educational disadvantage, and the impact of adult education in Ireland and to discuss the implications for Irish society.

Hosted by the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) and The National Adult Learning Organisation of Ireland (AONTAS), the event focused on the challenges and opportunities for adult education and literacy in Ireland. There were presentations from leading experts from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and Trinity College Dublin (TCD), the Educational Research Centre (ERC), the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) and AONTAS.

Speaking at the event, Art O’ Leary, Chief Executive, Electoral Commission, said:

“There is a strong link between levels of literacy and the voting process. 40% of people who don’t vote said that politics didn’t have anything to do with them and it is evident that they can’t make the connection between their day to day lives and why voting is so important.”

Attendees also heard how those experiencing socio-economic disadvantage fall behind in our education system and how the Covid pandemic had and continues to have a lasting impact on vulnerable students in terms of learning, achievement and wellbeing.

Speaking at the event, Colleen Dube, Chief Executive Officer, NALA, said:

“This event is timely given that International Literacy Day, with the theme of ‘Promoting literacy in the digital era’ was held on 8 September. As we await Budget 2026, the Presidential election and the EU’s Multiannual Budget, we wanted to highlight the ongoing gaps and opportunities in Irish education to ensure that Ireland has a resilient and properly resourced lifelong and life wide education system.”

Dearbháil Lawless, Chief Executive Officer, AONTAS, said:

“Despite Ireland having one of the most educated populations, we need to stop and consider the skills needs of our country, especially from an equality perspective. Recent PIAAC data, excludes people in prison, in homeless accommodation, on halting sites, in direct provision, and those over the age of 65. This is not acceptable and NALA and AONTAS are creating space for this important conversation to consider the evidence, and work with experts in strengthening Ireland’s impact in addressing the needs of people, society, and the economy.’’

Sarah Carey, Broadcaster and Columnist, said:

“Ireland is an extremely well-educated country, but like many western societies there is a “left-behind” constituency, who are excluded from opportunities – economically, socially and culturally. We must target people who need help with basic literacy and digital skills so they can improve the quality of their own lives and the quality of our democracy and society. There are many resources available for lifelong adult learning. Let’s get talking about this in the general public conversation and spread the word that education is for all.”

Further information

The event schedule included the following:

Presentation of relevant research and insights into

•  Educational disadvantage – Dr Selina McCoy, Professor in Sociology, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and Trinity College Dublin
• The literacy and numeracy achievement of Ireland’s children and young people: Findings from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and other large-scale assessments – Dr Lorraine Gilleece, Research Fellow, Educational Research Centre
• Adult literacy from the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) – Kevin Healy, Statistician, Central Statistics Office and Aoife Crawford, Research and Policy Officer, NALA
• Community Education for Social Transformation – Dr Eve Cobain, Senior Research Officer and Dr Rebecca Jackson, Policy and Advocacy Officer, AONTAS

Panel Discussion with

• Michelle McGoldrick, Learner and activist
• Martin Byrd, Adult Learner at the Dublin Adult Learning Centre (DALC)
• Art O’Leary, Chief Executive, Electoral Commission
• Kevin Marshall, Head of Learning and Skills, Microsoft and Chair, National Skills Council

For further information or for media enquiries, please contact:

Michelle Lynch,
Communications, Advocacy and Outreach Manager, NALA
Email: mlynch@nala.ie / 087 968 9016