asked the Minister for Education the financial support available from her Department for the organisation of extra curricular activities for the children of travelling people.
Written Answers. - Children of Travelling People.
602.
While direct financial support is not available to individual schools for the organisation of extra curricular activities for the children of travelling people, these children take part in the ordinary extra curricular activities of the schools in which they are enrolled. Financial support is available for the promotion of youth and sport activities through moneys made available to vocational education committees. Some projects organised by the vocational education committees under this heading are specifically directed at young travellers. In view of the way in which these facilities are organised, it is not possible to quantify the amount of financial assistance given in this context.
603.
asked the Minister for Education the number of children of travelling people between the ages of four years and 12 years; and the number attending (a) primary schools and (b) special schools.
There are approximately 5,500 children of travelling people between the ages of four years and 12 years.
Currently there are 91 special classes for travellers attached to primary schools. It is difficult to state the exact numbers attending such classes, for various reasons. The estimated number is 1,000 children.
There is no separate record of travelling children enrolled in ordinary classes in national schools.
Four special schools for children of travelling people, currently in operation, returned a total of 220 enrolments in December, 1984.
604.
asked the Minister for Education the number of children of travelling people attending post primary schools.
Data on parents' occupation in respect of students attending post primary schools are not collected by my Department.