Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 December 2020
233. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Education her views on the Traveller History and Culture in Education Bill 2018; the steps she will take to see the progression of this Bill in the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41040/20]
View answerI wish to assure the Deputy that I fully support improving educational outcomes for Travellers, and that includes ensuring that the school setting is a more welcoming environment. Developing knowledge and understanding of Traveller culture and history in schools will help build a recognition of the important value of Traveller culture and history to this country and help to improve a sense of belonging for Traveller children in schools.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) published an audit of traveller culture and history in the curriculum in 2019 which has provided the basis for further work in this area which is being progressed. A full-time Education Officer was appointed in September, 2020 to progress the next steps which include :
- identifying existing initiatives and supports across the three education sectors (early childhood, primary and post-primary) and exploring how they can be further enhanced, supported and possibly replicated;
- identifying existing resources and materials and exploring the kinds of new support material and resources that need developing;
- working directly with early childhood settings and schools to identify good practice underpinned by principles of inclusion, intercultural education, and learning about Traveller history and culture.
An expert advisory group is being established by the NCCA to inform the work being carried out; this group includes representatives and members of the Traveller community .
