Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
466. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason for the decision to cut funding to a centre (details supplied) resulting in its likely closure; if the decision will be reversed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16519/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnsuring every child is supported and given the opportunity to reach their full potential is a key priority for this Government.
The Department is committed to improving educational outcomes for members of the Traveller and Roma communities.
St. Thomas’s Clonshaugh is a school with Special School designation dating from a period when separate education provision for members of the Traveller community was the norm.
The phasing out of segregated education provision for Traveller children began in 2006 in accordance with Government policy which was developed in consultation with Traveller representative groups.
St. Thomas’s is currently the only remaining education centre for segregated post-primary provision for Traveller students in the country.
The Department of Education and Skills has been engaging with the Patron of St Thomas’s for many years to progress the transfer of its student cohort to the mainstream school system in line with this agreed national policy.
It is important to note that, as with all schools under private patronage, the decision in relation to school closure, amalgamation etc. ultimately rests with the Patron.
In order to ensure a smooth and effective transition of provision for students, my officials are engaging with the school Patron and the Educational Welfare Service of Tusla in relation to future education provision for the current student cohort in St. Thomas’s. Tusla’s Educational Welfare Service is available to work with parents to source school places for the current pupil cohort, including 3 students at Leaving Certificate level who would be due to sit exams in 2019.
