An estimated one in six Irish adults has poor literacy skills. OECD figures also estimate one in four people find it difficult to do simple maths.

Today the National Literacy Awareness Week was launched in Dublin.

The aim of the week-long event is to raise awareness about the wide spread literacy issues that prevail across the country and to promote free courses available to those who wish to improve their reading, writing and maths skills.

Around 50,000 people attend classes for literacy and numeracy via the National Adult Learning Agency (NALA).

Among those in attendance today was Tony Maloney who recently received his Junior Certificate results. He learnt to drive at the age of 53:

President Michael D Higgins delivered a key note address  at this morning launch ceremony at the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin. 

He said literacy and numeracy skills are more important now than ever before, as much of daily life is now conducted online. President Higgins, who is the patron of NALA, said the agency fundamentally deals with equality. 

He referred to the friendships he has seen emerging between volunteers and service users at NALA. He said that literacy is the gateway to democratic society and that it was important to ensure that the new technological capacity to communicate does not create a divide in society:

 As part of this week's awareness drive NALA will have a stand at the National Ploughing Championships. Those who wish to find out more about NALA events taking place this week or the classes and services they offer can find additional details on their website.