Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 674: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in relation to the programme for Government proposal to provide access to English language classes for adult immigrants. [28723/08]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, 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 over 44,000. Of these 44,000 participants, over 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 the Autumn.