Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Oct 1996

Vol. 469 No. 7

Written Answers. - Adult Literacy Programmes.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

43 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has to improve facilities for teaching adult literacy, to improve awareness of those facilities and to improve the image of the programmes on foot of the interim report from the National Literacy Agency stating that only a small proportion of the 100,000 adults with literacy difficulties are involved in literacy schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18087/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach):

My Department is working in close partnership with both the National Adult Literacy Agency and other bodies concerned to promote awareness of adult literacy programmes and to increase participation in these programmes. My commitment to develop and enhance the programmes in place to address adult literacy and numeracy problems is reflected both in the policy measures proposed in the White Paper and the substantial funding provided in recent years to support these services.