A staggering 26,121 people are estimated to be illiterate in Malta.

That includes 938 who are between 10 and 19 years old, 1,392 who are between 20 and 29 years , 1,845 who are between 30 and 39 years old and 3,971 aged between 40 and 49.

However the age bracket with the highest rate of illiteracy is that between 50 and 59, with 5,584.

The information was given in Parliament by Education Minister Dolores Cristina in reply to a parliamentary question. She was quoting figures from the 2005 census.

The minister said in reply to another question that children having reading and writing difficulties in primary schools are given individual attention. Such assistance is given in class and also according to individual needs.

Primary School also have literacy programmes to promote an interest in reading. Pupils suffering Dyslexia are assisted by specialist teachers.

A group of officials has also been set up to draw up a policy for primary schools on basic literacy skills, among other sectors.

In secondary schools, students are given instruction in literacy and basic maths in small groups or small classes.