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06/09/2010
Nearly Half Of Irish Adults Struggle With Maths
Government figures released today have revealed that some 40% of Irish adults struggle with basic mathematics.
The findings published today by the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) show that almost half of Irish adults had difficulty completing basic maths calculations such as a product's VAT percentage or the area of a rectangle.
Responding to the figures, Fine Gael's Spokesperson on Education, Fergus O’Dowd said it was a clear indication the Government was failing to deliver its many promises to create a smart or knowledge economy.
“The figures revealed by NALA are a shocking reflection of this Government’s track record in maths education. If 40% of the population have [sic] difficulty with everyday maths, including questions from the primary school curriculum, it is a troubling indication of the extent of our unmet training needs," TD O'Dowd said.
He added: “The Tánaiste has been talking about doing something in this area since she was appointed but her wishy washy approach to the issue of bonus points for maths does not inspire confidence in her commitment to turning this problem around."
The study found that 20% couldn't accurately work out what percentage of fuel was being held in a cars fuel tank and 56% could not work out how much VAT at 21% would add to a €200 mp3 player.
Mr O'Dowd said it was time for real action and for the struggle with numeracy to be taken seriously. "The Tánaiste must, at the very least, confirm her commitment to introducing bonus points for maths in 2012,” he said.
(DW/KMcA)
The findings published today by the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) show that almost half of Irish adults had difficulty completing basic maths calculations such as a product's VAT percentage or the area of a rectangle.
Responding to the figures, Fine Gael's Spokesperson on Education, Fergus O’Dowd said it was a clear indication the Government was failing to deliver its many promises to create a smart or knowledge economy.
“The figures revealed by NALA are a shocking reflection of this Government’s track record in maths education. If 40% of the population have [sic] difficulty with everyday maths, including questions from the primary school curriculum, it is a troubling indication of the extent of our unmet training needs," TD O'Dowd said.
He added: “The Tánaiste has been talking about doing something in this area since she was appointed but her wishy washy approach to the issue of bonus points for maths does not inspire confidence in her commitment to turning this problem around."
The study found that 20% couldn't accurately work out what percentage of fuel was being held in a cars fuel tank and 56% could not work out how much VAT at 21% would add to a €200 mp3 player.
Mr O'Dowd said it was time for real action and for the struggle with numeracy to be taken seriously. "The Tánaiste must, at the very least, confirm her commitment to introducing bonus points for maths in 2012,” he said.
(DW/KMcA)
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