Written Answers. - Task Force Recommendations.
Desmond J. O'Malley
Question:
28
Mr. O'Malley
asked the
Minister for Equality and Law Reform
the steps, if any, being taken to implement the recommendations of the report of the Task Force on the Travelling Community; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[3056/96]
Seamus Brennan
Question:
93
Mr. S. Brennan
asked the
Minister for Equality and Law Reform
when he expects to be in a position to make a comprehensive statement on the report of the Task Force on the Travelling Community; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[3334/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 93 together.
As the recommendations contained in the report of the Task Force on the Travelling Community impact on a wide range of policy areas which are the responsibility of a number of Ministers, the Government established an inter-departmental working group of officials to consider its implementation, including in particular, the costs involved. Any further follow up action in relation to the recommendations of the report of the task force will be determined after the Government has considered the report of the interdepartmental working group in the next few weeks.
I have also kept progress in relation to the implementation of the recommendations contained in the interim progress report which the Task Force on the Travelling Community published in January 1994 under review. On publication of that report. I consulted with the Minister for Education and also with the former Minister of State at the Department of the Environment with responsibility for housing, to identify the recommendations on which progress could be made pending receipt of the final report of the task force.
With regard to the specific recommendations concerning education provision for travellers, contained in the interim progress report, I understand from the Minister for Education that the following developments have taken place:
(i) In April 1994, the Minister for Education published guidelines entitled "The Education of Traveller Children in National Schools — Guidelines".
(ii) The capitation grant for traveller children attending national schools was increased from £76.20 in 1993 to £130 in 1994 and to £137 with effect from September 1995, for those children under 12 years and from £316 in 1994 to £331 in 1995 for children over 12 years of age. This capitation grant will be further increased by 12.5 per cent with effect from September 1996.
(iii) A school record system for traveller children is now being operated on a pilot basis by the visiting teacher service.
(iv) The pupil teacher ratio for traveller children at primary level, has been reduced by one unit from 15:1 to 14:1 for special schools and classes.
I understand from the Minister for Education that provision for children with special needs is being considered in the context of the report of the Special Education Review Committee, published in 1993, and in the specific case of traveller children, the interim progress report of the task force.
In relation to traveller housing, during March 1994 the Minister for State at the Department of the Environment announced that the special grant for travellers purchasing their first house for their own occupation had been increased from £1,500 to £3,000. In addition, funding for new group housing schemes for travellers is being provided by the Department of the Environment separately from the general local authority housing allocation.
With regard to the recommendations in the report of the task force in the area of discrimination, I can confirm that I am committed to taking initiatives to end discrimination against members of the travelling community and to ensure that they are provided with opportunities for equal participation in all aspects of Irish society. New employment equality legislation will prohibit discrimination on a wide range of grounds including membership of the travelling community. Work on the Employment Equality Bill is progressing in my Department and I hope to be in a position to publish it before Easter. During the year I also hope to publish the Equal Status Bill which will outlaw discrimination on a range of grounds in non-employment areas.
