Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I agree we must get the message across about these programmes to those who wish to improve their literacy and numeracy skills. Through research, we found the most effective way has been through the use of television. The "Read Write Now" series was a tremendous success considering the number of people who tuned in to watch it. With help from the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland and working with NALA, more than €2.6 million has been put aside for the new multimedia approach over the next two years.

I take the point that the transmission times of these programmes might seem a little odd but the ratings for the "Really Useful Guide" have been extremely encouraging thus far. It is not just a case of watching the programme at the actual broadcast times because video clips and workbooks are available.

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