Michael Bell
Question:36 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Education if he will outline the plans, if any, he has to increase the participation rate of traveller children in pre-school education; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Traveller Children Access to Pre-school Education.
A number of important initiatives are being taken in relation to the educational needs of traveller children. These include the allocation of four of the additional teacher posts which became available under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress to augment existing services for traveller children.
One of these new posts is being assigned to a newly created position of National Education Officer for Traveller Children, whose function is to promote, facilitate and co-ordinate the education of traveller children on a national basis. The remainig three posts are being used to expand the number of visiting teachers for travellers from 6 to 9.
Part of the focus of the Visiting Teacher Service is to visit traveller families and encourage their childrens' participation in the education process, including at the pre-school level. My Department also encourages this participation through its funding of the operation of pre-schools for traveller children.
The Green Paper being launched today addresses the question of education for travellers in a comprehensive way.