Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 517: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when the National Adult Learning Council issued its last report; the number of board members of the council; the number of staff employed by the council; the level of funding allocated to the council since it was established on an annual basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30061/05]

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 530: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when the National Adult Learning Council issued its last report; the number of board members of the council; the number of staff employed by the council; the level of funding allocated to the council since it was established, on an annual basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30187/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 517 and 530 together.

The National Adult Learning Council was established on an ad hoc basis in March 2002. After the establishment of the ad hoc council, concerns emerged that its functions were too wide-ranging and not sufficiently focused. Additionally, a number of developments had occurred which would impact on the work of the council, including the establishment of the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland and the Further and Higher Education Awards Councils. Accordingly, the Department undertook a strategic review of the role and functions of the council to address these concerns. The results of this review are being considered with a view to determining the most appropriate approach for the future.

The ad hoc council has a membership of 25, and published an annual report in August 2003. The NALC expenditure to date is €25,707 in 2002 and €59,490 in 2003.