Vol. 473 No. 5
45 Mr. Flood asked the Minister for Education the number of visiting teachers specifically working with the travelling community; the specific areas covered by such visiting teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25233/96]
There are currently 12 teachers working within the visiting teacher service for travellers. The areas covered by this service are Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Laois/Offaly, Limerick, Tipperary and Wexford. I recently announced my decision to expand this service with the appointment of a further three visiting teachers. This will bring the total number of teachers in this service to 15. The expanded service will include Clare and an additional post in Dublin and one in Limerick.
As Minister for Education, I have to consider how best to deploy available resources across a wide range of special needs. I must determine priorities in the light of available resources.
My decision to allocate additional posts to the visiting teacher service reflects my commitment to the continued development of education services for travellers.
This commitment is also reflected in the White Paper on Education, Charting Our Education Future. The aim is to promote the full and inclusive participation of travellers at all levels of the education system. The White Paper acknowledged the key role the continuing development of the visiting teacher service would play in achieving these objectives. I intend to continue to work towards this goal.
