Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 379: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the consultants' review of English language provision for mature learners; if a budget has been developed for the provision of language and introductory programmes in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26631/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department gives an annual grant to all Vocational Education Committees for the provision of Adult Literacy and Community Education. The cost of the literacy service delivered by the VECs in 2006 was over €20 million. To cater for the needs of adult migrants, there is a facility, within the adult literacy service, for those who wish to improve their English to participate in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses. In 2005, there were 10,000 places availed of for ESOL courses and this rose to 12,000 in 2006. This latter figure constitutes 30% of the adult literacy places within the adult literacy service.

My Department, in conjunction with the Office for Integration, has commissioned an independent review to assist in the development of a national English language training policy and framework for legally-resident adult immigrants based on extensive stakeholder consultation. This is due for completion in early 2008.

The question of creating a dedicated fund for the teaching of English to adult migrants will be considered in the context of the outcome of the review.