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THERE IS a natural tendency to deny uncomfortable truths. Such a response may involve the individuals directly affected; the society that feels under pressure or the organisations with responsibility for the issue. Being unable to read or write is one such uncomfortable truth. And the problem will not be adequately addressed until it is tackled at source.

RTÉ, in association with the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA), is currently broadcasting a series of television programmes that explore the life-enhancing benefits that literacy can bring to those who return to adult education. Being unable to read a medical leaflet or sit a test for a driving licence can be humiliating. Such individuals tend to hide their difficulties. The RTÉ series emphasises the availability of help through VEC programmes and encourages more extensive participation.