Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to a new study by a person (details supplied) which reveals that, based on recent data from the Central Statistics Office, almost 380,000 of today's adult population left school with only a primary education, that half of these early school leavers are neither employed nor looking for work, and that the low levels of educational attainment make it more difficult for these school leavers to retain jobs in the labour market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9772/04]

Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The link between low levels of educational attainment and unemployment is well documented. My Department's White Paper on Adult Education, Learning for Life, identified the need for targeted interventions so as to encourage and support the participation of certain priority groups in adult education. In particular, the White Paper highlighted the allocation of additional resources to address adult literacy needs and the need to provide increased opportunities for adult learners, prioritising the needs of those with less than upper secondary education.

The report of the task force on lifelong learning complemented the policies and recommendations of the White Paper on Adult Education. The cross-sectoral approach of the task force report supports and reinforces the recommendations on adult education policy and provision. These policies are implemented by my Department through the provision of supports for a range of second chance education programmes, for young people and adults alike, who have either left school early or need further vocational training to enhance their employment prospects. These programmes are provided mainly by the vocational education committees but also in schools and colleges and by community-based education groups. A range of courses provided by FÁS and other education and training providers complement the programmes supported by my Department.

Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy is correct in saying that the national development plan and the programme for Government target further education. Both those documents commit to continue to invest in adult literacy and to increase the investment in adult learning generally. Certain statistics, particularly those from the OECD, prove that Ireland has not done badly in terms of literacy. However, the Government has placed specific emphasis on the need to address adult learning, lifelong learning and specifically adult literacy. Consequently we have been able to increase the number and types of courses including a very welcome and successful course through the "Read Write Now" series on television, which I hope will shortly commence its fifth series.

The Deputy asked specifically about literacy programmes within the workplace. NALA has pinpointed the need for this and studies in other countries, such as Sweden, have proved that this is appropriate. This is certainly the direction we wish to take. Studies have been carried out to determine how we can best approach the question of adult literacy. We have increased funding from £1 million in 1997 to €19 million in 2004. We hope to be able to further promote adult literacy in the workplace particularly and we are working with NALA in this regard.

Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Government funds the work done by NALA and is very happy to support that agency. We have pinpointed the need to address literacy in the workplace. The fund has not yet been established and I am investigating that matter. I am not in a position to give the commitment today.