Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 203: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when she will re-instate the National Adult Learning Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34130/06]

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 619: To ask the Minister for Education and Science to outline if and when the National Adult Learning Council will be reconstituted; the annual cost of running the NALC when it was in operation, updated to 2006 figures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34331/06]

Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 203 and 619 together.

The National Adult Learning Council was formed in March 2002 on an ad hoc basis with the intention that it would be established as a statutory body under Section 54 of the Education Act 1998.

Following the formation of the ad-hoc Council, concerns emerged that the functions envisaged for it were too wide-ranging and were 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 and Training Awards Councils.

My 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.

Expenditure for 2002 was €21,012.00 and for 2003 was €59,491.00. No further expenditure has been incurred since then.