Half a million adults in Ireland have problems reading and writing, and even more have difficulty doing basic maths.
That's according to the National Adult Literacy Agency which has launched it's new campaign 'Take The First Step' aiming to encourage those people to get help.
One in six Irish adults has difficulty reading and understanding everyday texts like leaflets, bus timetables or medicine instructions.
Even more have problems doing basic every day maths, like counting change in a shop.
According to the National Adult Literacy Agency, this has a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities.
Ahead of International Literacy Day on Sunday, NALA has launched it's new campaign to encourage people to get help called 'Take The First Step'.
People with difficulties reading or writing are being encouraged to contact NALA or their local ETB to get the help they need to improve their skills.
The opportunity is free and open to all, with participants able to choose what, where and when they want to learn.
