How Ireland’s Adult Literacy Levels Compare Globally

Ireland’s participation in the 2022-23 OECD Survey of Adult Skills marks the second time it has assessed adult proficiency levels in literacy, numeracy, and adaptive problem solving. This survey, conducted across 31 countries, highlights Ireland’s strengths and weaknesses, offering a roadmap for future skill development policies.

OECD

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an intergovernmental economic organisation with 38 member countries, founded in 1961. Its primary goal is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.

Literacy Performance in Ireland

The findings reveal that Ireland’s adults, aged 16-65, performed above the OECD average in literacy, scoring an average of 263 points compared to the OECD average of 260. This indicates that Irish adults demonstrate strong foundational reading skills, which are crucial for understanding and processing information in everyday contexts.

At a closer level:

• 21% of Irish adults scored at Level 1 or below (OECD average: 26%). Adults at this level can understand short, simple texts, but may struggle with more complex information.
• 9% of adults achieved the highest proficiency levels (Levels 4 or 5), compared to the OECD average of 12%. These high performers can evaluate dense texts, grasp complex meanings, and apply prior knowledge effectively.

Literacy Across Age Groups

The survey also highlights generational differences:

• Young adults (16-24 years old) scored 278 points, performing above the OECD average for their age group.
• In contrast, older adults (55-65 years old) scored significantly lower, with a 24-point gap compared to 25-34-year-olds. While age-related cognitive decline may play a role, differences in educational opportunities over generations are also a contributing factor.

Progress Over Time

When compared to results from Ireland’s first participation in 2011-12, literacy levels have remained stable. While the share of high performers has not changed, neither has the proportion of adults with low literacy skills.

The Road Ahead

Ireland’s literacy performance, while strong relative to the OECD average, reveals the need for targeted strategies to reduce the number of low-skilled adults. Improving adult literacy not only benefits individuals’ economic opportunities but also enhances societal outcomes like civic engagement and overall well-being.

Read / Download the OECD Survey of Adults Skills 2023: Ireland here.