Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1196: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to expand the number of adult literacy training places by 4,000 on top of the extra 3,000 places put in place in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29454/09]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Adult Literacy services are funded by my Department through annual grants to the Vocational Education Committees (VECs), which deliver the services locally.

Community groups and community development projects may also apply to their local VEC for funding to provide adult literacy tuition.

The Adult Literacy service has expanded significantly in recent years from 5,000 participants in 1997 to almost 50,000 in 2008. Expenditure increased from €1,000,000 in 1997 to €30,000,000 in 2008. In 2009, funding is being maintained at similar levels to 2008. Due to the difficult budgetary position it has not been possible to provide funding for any further increase in places.