Brian O'Shea
Ceist:767 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to ensure that traveller children receive a proper education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1623/00]
Vol. 513 No. 1
767 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to ensure that traveller children receive a proper education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1623/00]
Since my appointment as Minister for Education and Science I have been committed to ensuring the maximum possible participation of traveller children in the education system and the delivery of an education service which is appropriate to the needs of these children.
At present, traveller children have access to a range of special support services to facilitate their participation in the education system. These services extend from special provision at pre-school level to support services to encourage participation in the first and second level systems.
At pre-school level, significant development has taken place in recent years and a total of 52 pre-school classes are now catering for approximately 520 traveller children. My Department funds 98% of the tuition costs involved and also the cost of transporting the children to and from the pre-schools.
At primary level, a total of approximately 400 resource teachers have been allocated to cater specifically for traveller children. The children in question are generally taught in integrated settings within the ordinary classroom where the resource teacher works in partnership with the ordinary class teacher. Where necessary, the children can be withdrawn in small groups for intensive periods of tuition according to their perceived needs.