I propose to take Questions Nos. 559, 560, 563 together.
I expect to receive shortly a report on the recommendations for a five year Traveller education strategy. This report spans the full spectrum of lifelong learning from pre-school to adult and further education. It also emphasises the important role that Traveller parents have in their own education and that of their children. The report is in the final stages of preparation. Inclusion is a core principle which has guided the development of this report.
The report will provide me with advice and guidance on how best to continue to cater for and improve the education provision for the Traveller community. The education needs of the Traveller community are a high priority for me and my Department and I look forward to examining the report.
With regard to representation on the educational disadvantage committee, my Department has written to the education partners seeking their views on the composition and future work of the committee. When all of these have been received and considered I will appoint members to the new committee as provided for under section 32 of the Education Act 1998.