asked the Minister for Education if she will restore the full amount earmarked as part of the allocation for 1987 for adult literacy programmes, as included in the previous Government's three year programme for funding, to ensure the continued operation of the scheme for 1987; the proposals, if any, she has for funding of adult literacy campaigns after 1987; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Adult Literacy Programmes.
13.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, I have allocated £400,000 to vocational education committees for adult literacy and community education, free of charge or at nominal cost, for the financial year 1987. This is more than was allocated in any previous financial year by the outgoing Government for this service, being £50,000 greater than the sum allocated in 1986 and £250,000 in excess of what was provided in 1985. An increase of this magnitude should be sufficient to enable VECs to at least maintain the service in 1987.
The provision to be made for this service in 1988 is at present under consideration in my Department in the context of the preparation of the Estimates for the coming financial year.