Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a television literacy series (details supplied) is to be continued; if there are other mass media measures planned to widen access to second-chance education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34117/06]

Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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An information and tuition programme on adult literacy called "Read Write Now" was televised by RTE 1 in five series over the period 2000-05. In 2006, the National Adult Literacy Agency devised a new two-year multimedia literacy project, entitled "The Really Useful Guide to Words and Numbers". An element of this project is a TV series of that name, which is currently being shown once a week on RTE 1, at 1 p.m. on Sundays, with a repeat just after midnight on Tuesday. The series began in September 2006 and will run to April 2007. It is accompanied by a learner workbook, a free telephone helpline and a website. The website includes printable sheets from the workbook, additional on-line activities and the entire video clip of each programme 24 hours after broadcast.

When the transmission of the present series has been completed next April, its impact will be evaluated. The most appropriate next steps will be considered in light of the results of the evaluation. The series is being funded mainly by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, with contributions from my Department and RTE. The cost of the project in total is estimated at €2.6 million.

The Government has shown an unprecedented commitment to improving adult literacy provision. We have increased expenditure on adult literacy programmes from €1 million in 1997 to €23 million in 2006. As a result of this dramatic increase in funding, we have been able to expand the number of people receiving adult literacy training to the point where 35,000 people will receive a service in 2006. Referral networks have been developed by the VECs to ensure that the people who need them most are made aware of the adult literacy and basic education services available. The referral system involves collaboration with other agencies catering for potential literacy students, such as FÁS, employment offices, welfare and community groups and schools.

A number of joint literacy initiatives have been developed between FÁS, the VECs, the National Adult Literacy Agency and employers. A workplace literacy programme has been introduced in all local authority areas for outdoor workers. While the Department of Education and Science has the primary role in adult literacy and numeracy issues, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has a shared responsibility with regard to literacy and numeracy training in the workplace.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

My Department is committed to working with other partners to ensure that the needs of adults with low levels of literacy continue to receive the highest priority in the future. We are determined to use a variety of avenues to reach people who need an adult literacy service, and the use of specially designed TV programmes is one part of this approach.

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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The National Adult Literacy Agency has stated that only 7% of those with literacy difficulties are actually participating in literacy programmes. I acknowledge the good work that has been done on adult literacy, but there is a need to expand it to include more people. The programme is broadcast at 1 p.m. on Sunday and at midnight on Tuesday. Are there any plans to broadcast adult literacy programmes at more accessible times for the public?

Many of us are members of the all-party committee which produced a report that suggested a need to quadruple the spending on adult literacy in the period up to 2013. There were members on that committee from the Government parties. Does the Minister agree that such expansion is needed in order to reach people who really need adult literacy?

Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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My question refers to the question I asked the Minister about primary schools. A submission will be made to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Science that a number of adult non-nationals are taking places on adult literacy classes. Whereas they are completely literate in their own language, they need English language classes to be provided for them. Has the Minister of State any mechanism in mind to provide for people who need literacy classes can avail of them and those who need English language classes will have that facility afforded to them?

Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I certainly recognise the differentiation between those two groups. It is a question of language acquisition as opposed to literacy as we mean it. A number of schemes are in place to help those coming to our shores who might not have English as a mother tongue. I refer to the point made by Deputy O'Sullivan. The national development plan committed €93.5 million to the service in the period 2000 to 2006. The expenditure over this period has exceeded the NDP commitment and will reach €123 million by the end of 2006. We are very mindful that further investment is needed in the area of literacy. It is a Government priority and the progress to date should be acknowledged.