Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he has taken, including those in conjunction with the Department of Education and science, to improve the levels of adult literacy, specifically among the long term unemployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18210/06]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Under the auspices of my Department, FÁS implements a number of initiatives to address the literacy needs of long term unemployed.

∙The Return to Education Programme responds to the individual needs of participants on the FAS Community Employment (CE) programme as they relate to literacy and numeracy development. This programme, developed by FAS in conjunction with the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA), is delivered country-wide through the Vocational Education Committees. It covers a range of subjects, including information technology applications, and prepares participants to access recognised FETAC qualifications.

∙The Core Skills Programme has been developed to address the work related personal and social competencies of disadvantaged participants on CE. The programme covers a range of modules relating to work and work/life issues. A FETAC Core Skills Certificate is available to participants who reach the specified programme standards.

About 8,000 participants are supported each year through participation on these programmes. In addition, the FAS Workplace Basic Education Fund has a 2006 budget of €2million which it is using to fund workplace initiatives on basic literacy and numeracy.

In recognition of the drive to promote a more qualified workforce and the range of new opportunities available under the National Qualifications Framework, FAS has proposed two new awards at FETAC Level 3 to provide formal recognition of achievement in pre-vocational training — a Certificate in Personal and Social Employment Skills and a Certificate in Vocational Employment Skills.

The opportunity to access recognised qualifications motivates participants, particularly more disadvantaged learners, and gives them a foothold on the career progression ladder.

In addition, and in recognition of essential competencies and skills that staff working with the long term unemployed require, FAS, in consultation with NALA, has devised the Integrating Literacy Programme. This programme provides competencies specifically designed to enable staff to understand and work effectively in their daily interaction with participants who have literacy problems. This training comprehends all stages of programme delivery, from programme administration, through to design, assessment and review. It is delivered and accredited by NUI Maynooth.