Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 17 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 3

Written Answers. - Traveller Education.

Chris Flood

Question:

106 Mr. Flood asked the Minister for Education her views on recommendation FR18 of the task force report on the travelling community; the progress, if any, made in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18875/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I regard the sentiments underlying the recommendation in question to be consisent with my commitment to traveller education as set out in the White Paper on Education Charting our Education Future.

The White Paper specifically recognises the right of each distinctive group to participate fully in our education system and to have its traditions respected. A specific objective is to ensure that traveller children will be encouraged to enjoy a full and integrated education within the schools system.

The Deputy may be aware that the Government established an interdepartmental working group, under the aegis of the Department of Equality and Law Reform, and representative of all relevant Government Departments, to consider and report on the feasibility of implementing the recommendations of the task force on the travelling community.

The working group reported earlier this year and concluded that the co-ordination of the delivery of education services for travellers could best be addressed by establishing a special committee in my Department to oversee the delivery of education services for travellers. Arrangements are currently under way for the establishment of this committee. The committee, which will be representative of all areas of my Department involved in the delivery of education services to the travelling community, and which will consult with the various interest groups, including traveller organisations, will be responsible for drawing up and overseeing a comprehensive plan for the implementation of the task force recommendations approved by the Government and the White Paper proposals relating to travellers.

The recommendation referred to by the Deputy will be considered by this committee in the context of the implementation plan.