Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 April 2016
633. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of reversing cuts that were made in the previous Government's term for a community (details supplied) in County Kerry that wishes to restore resources for education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5361/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's policy in relation to Traveller Education is informed by the Report and Recommendations for a Traveller Education Strategy which was launched in 2006, following wide ranging consultation with Traveller representative groups and other relevant stakeholders. The principle of inclusion is at the core of the Strategy. The focus of both current and future provision is on the development of an inclusive school environment through the whole school planning process, teaching practice, admissions policies, codes of behaviour and whole school evaluation. In keeping with this principle, additional resources provided in the education system for children are allocated on the basis of identified individual educational need. This includes Traveller children who require additional resources based on need and not on their identity as Travellers. The cuts to which the Deputy refers relate to the reduction in funding for segregated Traveller specific programmes such as Resource Teacher for Travellers, Visiting Teachers Service and the phasing out of Senior Traveller Training Centres. A portion of the funding previously allocated to segregated education provision for Travellers has been redeployed to mainstream programmes in line with the principle of inclusion. My Department continues to spend in the region of €10m annually on the implementation of the recommendations of the Strategy to complete the transition to full integration of supports for Travellers within the education system.
