Vol. 476 No. 5
150 Mr. Flood asked the Minister for Education the action, if any, she is taking to ensure that the distinct culture and identity of the travelling community is recognised and taken into account in relation to recommendation BRI of the report of the Task Force on the Travelling Community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7379/97]
The White Paper on Education "Charting our Education Future" noted that "Travellers are a community whose culture has deep historical roots within Irish society. Each distinctive group within a democracy has a right to participate fully in its educational system and to have its traditions respected".
My commitment to the future development of education services for travelling people is set out clearly in the White Paper. The aim, as set out in the White Paper, is to promote the full and inclusive participation of travellers at all levels of the education system. This aim will be supported by specific actions, which include: the NCCA will continue to develop curriculum and assessment procedures for traveller children, including appropriate texts and materials and modules on traveller culture will be included in teachers preservice and in-service programmes.
