Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 460: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to provide access to English language classes for adult immigrants. [18431/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Education and Science provides for English language training for adult immigrants (English for Speakers of Other Languages, ESOL) under its adult literacy budget. Funds are allocated to VECs who are the main statutory providers of ESOL training. Currently, there are approximately 100 VEC colleges, 10 Prison Education providers, 100 Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) colleges, 100 Youthreach centres and some community groups providing ESOL classes.

Between 1997 and 2007, funding for adult literacy has increased from €1m to €30m and in the same period, the number of participants has increased from 5,000 to 44,000. Of these 44,000 participants, some 13,000 are ESOL students.

An independent review has been commissioned 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 summer 2008.