Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2018
289. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when he will conduct a full audit of the transition and retention outcomes of Traveller children in post-primary education; his plans in place to improve retention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43717/18]
View answerThis Government recognises the importance of inclusive education for all and is supportive of actions that will ensure that the school setting is a more welcoming environment for all, including Travellers.
The commitment to improve traveller retention and progression is reflected in a number of key policies and initiatives, including the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (NTRIS), launched by the Department of Justice and Equality in June 2017, and my Department’s DEIS Plan for educational inclusion, also launched last year.
My Department’s DEIS Plan 2017 also has specific actions in relation to promoting improvements in school attendance and completion in order to improve educational outcomes and overall life chances for Traveller and Roma children and young people.
As part of the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy, officials from my Department, the Department of Justice and Equality and TUSLA have been engaging with Traveller representative groups to specifically identify and agree an approach to improving educational outcomes for Travellers and Roma. TUSLA is leading this cross-departmental initiative which will be piloted for a two year period to try to address the gaps outlined. My Department has committed to the allocation of additional Home School Community Liaison Resources to support this project. This pilot will inform the development of a sustainable programme to address the gap in educational outcomes for children and young people from the Travelling and Roma communities.
