Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 122: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if it is intended to publish the report, Literacy and Numeracy in Disadvantaged Schools; if the report found that in some schools up to 50% of pupils have literacy problems; the steps she intends to take to address the serious problems identified in the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12998/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The report of the inspectorate of my Department of a thematic evaluation of literacy and numeracy in disadvantaged schools will be published shortly and details on its findings will be given at that point. I have expressed my commitment to prioritising support for children with literacy and numeracy difficulties on a number of occasions as I know that the attainment of proficiency in reading and mathematics has a major effect on children's attainment at school and on the employment and other opportunities available to them throughout their lives.

A number of initiatives have been introduced in recent years in the most disadvantaged schools to address literacy and numeracy problems, for example, last November, I announced an additional grant of €500,000 to improve the availability of books in disadvantaged schools, with a view to these books being given to children to read in the home. Research shows that the availability of books and the extent of a culture of reading in the home has a significant effect on children's literacy levels. Initiatives to promote family literacy and encourage parents to help with their children's reading through paired reading programmes have also been put in place.

A comprehensive professional development programme for teachers has been introduced in a number of disadvantaged schools in Dublin, Cork and Limerick. Early intervention initiatives such as the reading recovery and maths recovery programmes have also been put in place in several areas of socio-economic disadvantage. Reports of the effectiveness of these interventions are very positive and my Department is considering their extension to more schools in disadvantaged areas. Improving literacy and numeracy standards in disadvantaged areas is a key priority for me and one that I have prioritised for funding and support.