While I am very glad to hear the Minister in times of scarce funds has been able to increase the allocation for the elimination of gender stereotyping, can I take it in view of the reduced allocation for adult literacy she gives a greater priority to the elimination of gender stereotyping than to the promotion of adult literacy?

No. I am very glad to be able to tell the House that there has been an increase in the amount of money allocated for the programme for adult literacy, as is evidenced in the budget estimate for that Department and also in a reply which I will give to a later question. The amount provided this year for adult literacy over last year's provision remains at a plus figure.

Would the Minister contact the County Longford Vocational Education Committee and explain to them why they had to cut back on the adult literacy programme?

The amount the County Longford Vocational Committee wish to give to adult literacy is for the chief executive officer to decide. The overall budget to the vocational education committees for programmes of this kind has been increased over the amount allocated last year.