Vol. 456 No. 2
37 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education the proportion of itinerant children of school-going age who are being formally educated at primary level, secondary level and third level; and the number of itinerant children who sat the junior examination certificate and the leaving certificate examination in 1995. [13578/95]
The proportion of children of the travelling community who are being formally educated at primary level is estimated at 84 per cent. This figure is based on an estimated total of 5,000 traveller children of primary school age, of which 4,200 are attending primary schools. A total of 1,800 of these children are attending primary schools on a fully integrated basis. A further 2,160 children are enrolled in the 217 special classes for traveller children attached to ordinary primary schools. The remaining 240 children are enrolled in the four special schools which cater for traveller children with particular difficulties.
Information on the proportion of traveller children receiving full time education at second and third levels is not readily available. Current indications are that the majority withdraw at around the age of 12 or 13 years. In order to clarify the precise position, my Department is arranging to conduct a survey of traveller education at first and second levels, including attendance patterns. It is intended that this survey will be undertaken before the end of the year.
