Vol. 538 No. 5
170 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the recently published report which highlights the inadequacy of the premises of many literacy services throughout the country; and the steps he will take to deal with this problem. [18463/01]
I have received a copy of the findings of a survey carried out by the National Adult Literacy Agency on the conditions of adult literacy scheme premises. The national adult literacy service is delivered locally by vocational education committees with funding provided by my Department. The acquisition of premises for adult literacy is a matter for the vocational education committees, as the providers. The annual grant for literacy from my Department may not be used to build or purchase premises, although it may be used for rental costs and for minimal repair works. Funds for the literacy service have increased from a base of £0.85 million in 1997 to £10.67 million in 2001.
The White Paper on Adult Education, entitled Learning for Life, recommends the provision of limited capital funding for the further education sector for building where no other options are available, for essential health and safety and disability access requirements and ICT equipment and networking. This issue will be examined in the light of resources available in the context of the Estimates process. It will continue to be an objective to ensure that the existing education infrastructure is used to optimum effect to address adult literacy and further education needs.
