Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 November 2015
224. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will restore the funding to Traveller education support programmes that was cut over the past year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38596/15]
View answerMy Department's policy in relation to Traveller Education is informed by the Report and Recommendations for a Traveller Education Strategy which was launched in 2006, following wide ranging consultation with Traveller representative groups and other relevant stakeholders.
The principle of inclusion is at the core of the Strategy. The focus of both current and future provision is on the development of an inclusive school environment through the whole school planning process, teaching practice, admissions policies, codes of behaviour and whole school evaluation. In keeping with this principle, additional resources provided in the education system for children are allocated on the basis of identified individual educational need. This includes Traveller children who require additional resources based on need.
My Department continues to spend in the region of €10 million annually on the implementation of the recommendations of the Strategy to complete the transition to full integration of supports for Travellers within the education system.
