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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 2000

Vol. 513 No. 1

Written Answers. - Education for Traveller Children.

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]

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 Where necessary, the children can be withdrawn in small groups for intensive periods of tuition according to their perceived needs.

Traveller children are also supported by the visiting teacher service for travellers. A total of 30 visiting teachers are currently engaged in delivering this service. The primary function of the visiting teacher is to identify suitable educational placements for traveller children; encourage the children to attend school; and motivate and support the parents to take an active interest in their childrens' education. It is my intention to expand this service further in the coming years in line with the recommendations of the Task Force on the Travelling Community.
A national education officer for travellers is charged with responsibility for promoting and facilitating the education of traveller children on a national basis. The national education officer works closely with my Department; the visiting teacher service; and traveller organisations.
Progress is also being made on the participation of traveller children in the second level education system. Second level schools catering for traveller children are now entitled to an allocation of ex-quota teaching hours in respect of all traveller children enrolled.
In addition, first and second level schools attract a special increased rate of capitation funding in respect of every traveller child enrolled.
I believe that my decision to establish the advisory committee on traveller education will prove to be of particular importance in the future development of education services for the traveller community. The fact that the membership of this committee includes representatives of traveller organisations is intended to ensure that the travellers themselves have, for the first time, a real voice in shaping educational provision for future generations of traveller children.
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