Liz McManus
Ceist:203 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to extend the number of visiting teachers for travellers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27997/98]
Written Answers. - Traveller Education.
Since the publication of the report of the Task Force on the Travelling Community, the number of visiting teachers allocated by my Department to the visiting teacher service for travellers has been increased from 12 to 20. I will be keeping the question of further development of this service under ongoing review.
Earlier this year I announced the establishment of an advisory committee on traveller education. The composition of this committee will include traveller representatives and will give travellers a real voice in shaping educational provision for future generations of traveller children and adults. In the context of the recent budget, I have also arranged an allocation of £300,000 over the next two years to provide special increased rates of capitation in respect of traveller children attending second-level schools. I am confident that this development will act as an encouragement to second-level schools to meet the needs of local traveller children.