Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 130: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the access available to English language learning for all immigrant families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27947/07]

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 152: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to ensure English language learning for all immigrant families is co-ordinated through schools where possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27951/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 152 together.

In May 2007, my Department issued a circular to the managerial authorities of all schools to assist them in providing an inclusive school environment to meet the needs of pupils for whom English is a second language. The circular (53/2007) outlines the resources that are available to assist schools in this task. I am satisfied that the allocation of language teacher support posts to schools, as outlined in the circular, represents the most efficient use of resources in catering for the significant numbers of children for whom English is their second language.

Over 12,000 places are available for adults in English language classes to improve their English language skills. The English language classes are provided by the Vocational Education Committees throughout the country.

A review into the development of a national English language training policy and framework for legally resident adult immigrants has been undertaken by the Office for Integration in conjunction with my Department. An international group of consultants have been commissioned to undertake an independent review of existing provision of language training for adults in Ireland. The review will run for approximately six months which will result in a report which is anticipated at this stage to be completed early in 2008. My Department will consider the findings and recommendations of the review in due course.

My Department fully recognises the vital role of parents and other family members in children's literacy development. In this regard, a new family literacy project will be initiated in 2008 under the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) educational inclusion action plan. A working group of parties involved in family literacy has been established to oversee the project including the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA), the Irish Vocational Education Committee (IVEA), the Office of the Minister for Children, An Comhairle Leabharlanna and officials of my Department. The project will build on previous experience in the area of family literacy and will be implemented on a phased basis.