I propose to take Questions Nos. 512 and 526 together.
The purpose of the Guidelines on the use of Reduced Timetables in Schools is to ensure that the use of reduced timetables are limited to only those circumstances where it is absolutely necessary and, that where such usage occurs, schools follow best practice with the best interests of the student to the fore. The Guidelines will outline a number of key requirements for the use of reduced timetables.
Officials from my Department have ongoing engagement with Traveller and Roma representatives and are aware of the concerns of disproportionate use of reduced timetables articulated by Traveller and Roma representative groups.
My Department is working with Tusla Education Support Service with a view to guidelines on the use of reduced timetables in schools being in place for the next academic year commencing September 2021. The feasibility of the potential use of an ethnic identifier will be explored, in the context of relevant data protection provisions.
It is intended that the operation of the guidelines will be reviewed after an initial period. The data gathered will inform future policy in this area and the situation will be kept under review.