Seamus Kirk
Ceist:545 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Education and Science the educational arrangements for children from the travelling community at primary school level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12426/00]
Written Answers. - Travelling Community.
(Dr. Woods): It is the policy of my Department that Traveller children be educated in age-appropriate classes in an integrated setting. There is a range of supports in place to assist the education of Traveller pupils: my Department employs a national education officer for Travellers; sanction is granted for the appointment of a resource teacher for Travellers in primary schools where a minimum of 14 Travellers is enrolled. Where this obtains, enhanced capitation grants are paid in respect of Traveller children; the rate for Traveller pupils under 12 years of age is £171. The rate is £372 in the case of those aged 12 years and over. There are at present 430 resource teachers for Travellers serving 388 primary schools. Since 1998, my Department has made funding available under the IT2000 initiative to facilitate the provision of computer equipment to primary schools with a special class for pupils with special needs or the service of a resource teacher for Travellers. Each school receives a once-off grant of £1500 plus £20 per special needs pupil or per Traveller pupil. A nationwide service is provided by 30 visiting teachers for Travellers, who provide advice and support for schools and for Traveller families.