Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 October 2013
85. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the impact the proposed cutbacks in primary teaching resources will have on outreach sessions for children of circus and fairground families. [42961/13]
View answer86. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps that are being taken to ensure that children of circus and fairground families will receive improved secondary education supports. [42962/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 86 together.
The Circus & Fairground Service is a pilot initiative which provides primary school–age children with up to six hours tuition per week. The Service is delivered by qualified primary teachers retained by Education Centres throughout the country. The numbers of teachers retained to deliver the service has recently been reduced to reflect a decreased demand for the service - there are currently less than 10 children in receipt of tuition. Education Centres may also use teachers on stand-by to deliver the service where necessary to ensure a continuity of service. The Department of Education and Skills does not hold information on post-primary school age children of circus and fairground families and consequently cannot say whether they are in receipt of learning support for identified educational needs.
