Question for written answer E-7366/2010 to the Commission Rule 117 Kartika Tamara Liotard (GUE/NGL)

Subject: European policy on and functional illiteracy

1. Is the Commission aware that this week (6-13 September) is week in the Netherlands?

2. Is the Commission aware that more than 100 million people in Europe – i.e. one in five – are functionally illiterate?

3. Does the Commission consider that reducing functional illiteracy is one of its responsibilities?

4. If so, can the Commission identify specific policy proposals, or parts of policy proposals, in the area of dyslexia and functional illiteracy?

5. Does the Commission agree that part of the problem of functional illiteracy is that still not everyone has access to sufficient education, or education tailored to their needs, that is accessible to all regardless of income?

6. If so, what is the Commission doing to improve access to education for all sectors of society?

7. The phenomenon of dyslexia is supposedly broadly accepted in Europe. How is it then possible that people with dyslexia still face discrimination, for example by employers?

8. What role can the EU play in combating this situation?

9. Does the Commission recognise that people with dyslexia, who are often highly intelligent, have a problem finding a job or obtaining the right training?

10. Why did the EU communication not take much more account of functionally illiterate or dyslexic people, while modern technologies surely offer possibilities in this area?

11. Why, on the few occasions when the Commission talks about functional illiteracy, does it always refer to the ignorance of the people concerned, while neglecting the underlying problems such as poverty and access to education for all income levels?

12. Finally, the Commission inconsiderately disregards the fact that people with dyslexia will often not be able to improve their and skills, even though they would like to. Why does the premise still prevail that people must adapt to modern media and communications systems, while insufficient thought is given to ways in which systems and communication systems could be improved for functionally illiterate people?

13. A large proportion of functionally illiterate people are elderly, and we would still like them to be actively involved in society, but educational opportunities are much harder for them than for young people growing up now. How does the Commission intend to reintegrate this older group in particular into society?

829981.EN PE 449.332