Vol. 454 No. 1
17 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Education the number of travelling children receiving full time education in each of the years 1990 to 1994; the average age at which those children ceased education; if she will give details of the policy outlined in the White Paper with regard to the education of travelling children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10266/95]
The number of traveller children enrolled in special schools and special classes over the period in question was 2,039 in 1990; 2,149 in 1991; 2,170 in 1992; 2,352 in 1993 and 2,498 in 1994. Approximately 250 traveller children attend the Junior Education Centres. Also, some 550 travellers attend Senior Training Centres which cater for travellers in the 16-25 year age group.
It is estimated that approximately 1,500 additional traveller children attend ordinary primary schools on a fully integrated basis. Information regarding attendance by traveller children in mainstream second level schools is not readily available.
There is also an absence of data on the ages at which traveller children leave the school system. However, the indications are that the majority withdraw at around the ages of 12 or 13 years. With a view to clarifying the position, I intend that a quantitative/ qualitative survey of traveller education at first and second levels, including attendance patterns, will be undertaken this year.
The White Paper on Education recognises that the participation rates of traveller children in the education system are still unacceptably low.
To address this, a series of targets is proposed. These include:
all traveller children of primary school age being enrolled and participating fully in primary education, according to their individual abilities and potential, within five years;
at second-level, all traveller children of school-going age completing junior cycle education and 50 per cent completing the senior cycle within ten years.
As part of the strategy to achieve these targets. I intend that a further 15 teachers should be appointed this year to the Visiting Teacher Service for travellers.
