Joint Committee on Key Issues affecting the Traveller Community to discuss Traveller Education Policy

Speaking ahead of the meeting at 10:30am in Committee Room 2 of Leinster House, Committee Cathaoirleach Senator Eileen Flynn said: “The Committee looks forward to meeting with officials from the Department of Education. We are interested in discussing the progress made by the Department in implementing the recommendations of the Final Report of the previous Joint Committee on Key Issues affecting the Traveller Community.

“Unimpeded access to primary and secondary education is essential to reduce poverty and ensure the inclusion of Travellers within broader society. The previous committee noted that Travellers face severe educational disadvantages when compared to the general population.

“The Committee wishes to hear about how the Department is working to support the Traveller community in education. We are particularly interested in hearing about the actions taken by the Department to curtail the use of reduced school timetables and in promoting the provision of after-school homework clubs for Traveller pupils.”

The Joint Committee on Key Issues affecting the Traveller Community (2023) has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad. The Committee was re-established in June 2023 to continue the work of the previous Committee, whose final report can be found here.

The meeting in Committee Room 2 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.