The Republic's acute literacy problem has prompted several large firms, local authorities and hospitals to put their staff on special writing and reading courses.
Among the organisations involved are Beaumont Hospital in Dublin and Cork University Hospital, South Dublin County Council, Meath County Council and United Distillers.
One organisation sought assistance after it noticed that trade union representatives were signing an X instead of their names after meetings with management.
Several semi-State companies have also expressed an interest in putting their staff on classes with the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) and SIPTU. Several large companies have worked with NALA but are reluctant to disclose their names.
The organisations require the classes because some staff cannot complete basic literacy tasks. NALA provides many of the classes, but SIPTU's social services arm, the Irish Trade Union Trust, also helps.
The move by the two bodies to boost literacy skills here follows a trend in Britain, where some companies - including large retailers - have moved to bolster literacy standards in the workplace.
A similar move in the Republic is no surprise given the level of literacy problems.
According to the recent OECD International Literacy Survey, about 25 per cent of Irish adults - or 500,000 people - have literacy problems. A Department of Education report last year found that one in 10 children left primary school with significant literacy problems. This report estimated that literacy levels have not improved in the past 20 years, despite improved investment in remedial education.
United Distillers was the first company to seek support from NALA. The Local Government Management Services Board also enlisted NALA's help.
Last month workers from South Dublin County Council, Mayo County Council, Offaly County Council, Tipperary South Riding County Council and Meath County Council completed courses in literacy skills.
About half of the 40 SIPTU workers at Beaumont Hospital are non-nationals. Mr Eddie Glacken, of the Irish Trade Union Trust, said the workers were also helped with English language skills and computers. Some of the hospital's medical staff are from overseas.
Other major public companies and semi-States have also been involved in discussions with NALA, which estimates that only about 4 per cent of those with literacy problems are receiving assistance.
The recent NALA-supported RTE television series - Read Write Now! - attracted an average audience of more than 140,000 people.