New data shows Labour makes good on literacy pledge

12 January 2015

by Cllr Joe Costello

Labour TD, Joe Costello, has welcomed news that the standard of English reading and Mathematics in Irish primary schools has improved significantly since 2009, according to a new study.

Results of the 2014 National Assessments of English Reading and Mathematics in Primary School were issued this afternoon.

Deputy Costello says: “The findings contained in the report are extremely positive, showing that numeracy and literacy learning among pupils in Second and Sixth classes has significantly improved over the last five years.

“It really highlights the success of the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy which was introduced in 2011 by the then Education Minister Ruairi Quinn. His sterling efforts have been continued with equal zeal by Minister Jan O’Sullivan.

“Specifically, the data shows that all of the overall targets set out for primary level in the Strategy which we planned to achieve within nine years have now been realised. This is a major achievement that not only makes good on a Labour promise in Government, but actually exceeds it.

“The success of the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy is also testament to the schoolteachers, principals, parents and pupils across the country who have all embraced it enthusiastically since its inception.

“As the report shows, there is certainly scope for further improvements across a range of areas, but today's data fills me with confidence that we will - and can - continue to improve literacy and numeracy standards in our schools."