Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I agree with the Deputy. The OECD survey carried out in 1997 was frightening in that it showed that 500,000 people here have only a basic level of literacy or less. That is the reason literacy was made a top priority not alone in the White Paper but also in Government and why we have seen the significant increase in moneys to deal with literacy levels, from €1 million in 1997 to €23 million this year.

The Deputy is right in saying that some marginalised groups need extra attention. I am well aware that groups such as non-nationals need particular assistance in this area because English is not their mother tongue. Specific emphasis has also been given to the question of literacy for the deaf community. I am well aware of the need to progress that agenda further.

It is also important to realise that there has been a tremendous uptake of the literacy programmes. People often feel inadequate because of their lack of literacy skills and we must give them the confidence to come forward and access the programmes that are available. The television and radio programmes have been the most effective in helping people with literacy problems. That is why we have had four RTE "Read Write Now" series, which have been particularly successful. The National Adult Literacy Agency, the Irish Vocational Education Association, the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland and RTE are working together to develop a multimedia approach to the literacy campaign, which will help everyone. Details on that will be announced shortly.

It is important to examine the question of workplace literacy. At the moment, more women than men take up literacy programmes. Perhaps one way of getting in touch with men who need assistance with regard to literacy is through the workplace. In that context, I am glad to say there is tremendous co-operation between the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and my Department. I arranged for the National Adult Literacy Agency to meet officials from the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment and on foot of that, we secured an extra €3 million of that Department's budget to deal with literacy in the workplace. A great deal has yet to be done but the work has begun. There is a literacy programme available to county council workers who work outdoors and some hospitals and trade unions have also begun literacy programmes.

There is still a great deal to do, however. The White Paper recognises that this is a problem as does the Government. That is why we have poured money into this approach to ensure that programmes are available and support is given to staff and tutors.

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