147 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science the way she proposes to improve the literacy level of prisoners both in adult and juvenile detention centres; if monitoring is done on improvements to literacy levels of people when they are in prison; her views on whether improved literacy would reduce recidivism and assist prisoners to get employment when they are released; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40156/06]

Young people in the children detention schools attend school and receive tuition in curricular areas, including literacy, in keeping with their needs and age. These schools are monitored by my Department's inspectorate and, like all schools, are subject to Whole School Evaluation. The monitoring of individual student progress is a matter for the teaching staff of each school. Arising from a review of youth justice provisions, the Government last year approved a package of measures designed to restructure and streamline the delivery of the State's services in this area. As part of this package, my Department is drawing up an education strategy in order to ensure a continuum of education and training opportunities for young people in children detention schools, special care units and high support units.

The strategy will deal with the education and training provision for such young people before, during and after any periods in special care or detention. It will reflect the key role played by education in shaping the lives of these young people and encourage them to assume a positive role in society. Work on the preparation of the strategy is underway.

The Deputy should note that literacy in adult detention centres is a matter for the Irish Prison Service and arrangements are being made for that Service to respond directly to the Deputy in that regard.