Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1193: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to further increase the number of language support teachers from 1,450 to 1,800; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29451/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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In light of the Budget 2009 decision in relation to language support my Department has published a circular for schools which sets out how the new arrangements will operate for the allocation of language support teachers from September 2009. The circular sets out a structured and transparent approach for the operation of the alleviation measures that were announced in the budget for schools that have a significant concentration of newcomer pupils. The alleviation measures mean that these schools can qualify for up to 4 language support posts with the possibility of additional posts also being approved through the independent staffing appeals mechanism.

Schools can now apply to my Department in the normal way for language support posts. These posts are approved on a provisional basis initially and will be confirmed in September 2009 following receipt from the schools of actual enrolments of pupils requiring language support. It is estimated that notwithstanding the budget measures there will be over 1,500 language support teaching posts in our primary and post-primary schools in September 2009 and up to about 500 other teachers in part-time posts. By any standards this is a very significant resource and the challenge will be to ensure that it is used to maximum effect.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1194: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to provide access to English language classes for adult immigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29452/09]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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My Department provides for English language training for adult immigrants (English for Speakers of Other Languages, ESOL) through the adult literacy budget. Funds are allocated to VECs who are the main statutory providers of ESOL tuition. In 2008, over 12,500 learners availed of ESOL tuition, up from 6,000 in 2003. Over 61,000 participants have availed of English language tuition since 2003.

My Department also provides for the English language and socialisation needs of adult refugees through the Adult Refugee Programme (ARP), formerly Integrate Ireland Language and Training (IILT). The ARP is co-ordinated nationally by County Dublin VEC and provided locally by other VECs, as demand arises. The 2009 provision for the ARP is approximately €2.8 million.

An independent review was 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. The report in this regard is under consideration by the Minister for Integration.