Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Mar 1999

Vol. 501 No. 6

Written Answers. - Early School Leavers.

Richard Bruton

Question:

392 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the estimates set out in the NESF report on early school leaving which indicated that the number of traveller children who left at primary level was 800 and at secondary level was 1,600; and his Department's estimate of the annual rate of early school leaving among traveller children. [6669/99]

Richard Bruton

Question:

393 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if travellers who leave school early are included in his Department's annual estimates of 1,000 leaving before secondary and 2,200 leaving with no qualifications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6670/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 392 and 393 together.

The estimates set out in the NESF report on early school leaving derive from research conducted by the Task Force on the Travelling Community in 1995. The research in qeustion indicated that of an estimated 5,000 traveller children of primary school age, 4,200 were attending primary schools at the time. Of the estimated 2,000 traveller children of second level age, it was estimated that 100 were attending mainstream second level schools. A further 300 places were available in junior education centres for travellers.

The most recent information available to my Department indicates that 4,300 traveller children are attending primary schools. A further 200 children are attending special schools for travellers. The total of 4,500 children involved, includes approximately 740 children aged 12 and over. Children attending ordinary primary schools are supported by 369 resource teachers for travellers.

The most recent information available also indicates that approximately 800 of the estimated 1,800 traveller children in the 12 to 15 age bracket are in receipt of an education service either in second level schools or in junior education centres.

My Department's estimates of children leaving second level schools without qualification includes traveller children. The annual estimates of early school leaving before transfer to second level are based on the annual census of primary schools conducted by my Department and focus on leavers from ordinary national schools. They do not include children, including travellers, catered for within the special school system.

In order to encourage participation by traveller children in the second level system and support second level schools catering for such children, my Department is introducing a special rate of capitation funding in respect of traveller children attending second level schools.

The Task Force on the Travelling Community attached particular importance to the role of the visiting teacher service for travellers in fostering continued participation by traveller children in the education system at first and second level. In line with the task force's recommendation, I propose to appoint additional visiting teachers for travellers with effect from September next.

I am aware of the need for improved monitoring of participation and retention rates among children generally and particularly children of the travelling community. One of the key objectives of the forthcoming Education (Welfare) Bill, 1999, will be the introduction of efficient and effective procedures for monitoring school attendance by all children, including traveller children, and ensuring early intervention to support any child who drops out of the system or is in danger of doing so. The Bill will also provide for the effective exchange of information between the various bodies concerned with provision for traveller children and the issue of drop-out among this group.