13/02/2012

60% Of NI Inmates Below Literacy level

A new report has revealed that over half the inmates in Ulster’s prisons are below the average literacy level.

According to the report commissioned by Criminal Justice Inspection NI and the Education and Training Inspectorate almost two-thirds of prisoners are unable to write or do sums properly.

A call has been made to the Northern Ireland Executive by the inspectors to help make improvements including action to better deliver education and skills.

The head of Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI) said with more than 60% of prisoners below the minimum required level in literacy and numeracy skills, too few were being helped to address their problems.

It is said that providing learning and skills is a major element in prisoner rehabilitation.

(LB)

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