Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegates for their presentations. I will ask some general questions and whoever wishes to respond can do so. The questions do not target a particular contribution.

The education system has not owned up to the way it treats Travellers. I have far too many heated debates with teachers about the culture of low expectations. It is very much a case of "but..." It is believed teachers are well meaning, but somehow the fact is ignored that they do not spend time in empowering a young Traveller child and going on a journey with them or his or her family. I would welcome comments on the low expectations for Traveller children, something I have experienced. Travellers are ostracised, even within my community. They feel the low level of expectations even more than I do. What impact does this have on the Traveller community? How do we address the issue? The Traveller Culture and History in Education Bill is one measure, but the psyche of teachers and school principals has not allowed them to acknowledge that that is the way they treat Traveller children. How can we even begin to make sure we change that culture if they are not even willing to stand up and accept that this is what they create in the classroom? At second level, in particular, there is a culture of ignoring Traveller children to the point where they just move away. It almost seems to be the approach taken by teachers to push children out of the system, as Mr. Collins said, and make life a little easier for them in the classroom in not having to acknowledge their own bias. What can we do to get people to take ownership of the issue of their low expectations for the Traveller community? Are there positive examples to which to point in Ireland where schools are getting it right? Is there any school that comes to mind where what it is doing is good? Is there even one positive example that we could look to expand? The Yellow Flag programme will be launched in schools. Have the delegates come across a school that they can say has created the right environment for Traveller children?

How do we begin to support families to advocate for their children in the education system? I refer to a child who had a negative experience of the school system as a Traveller and is going back as a parent. As he or she never felt he or she had been heard as a student, why would he or she be heard as a parent? How can we support parents to advocate for their children in a system that can be cruel and cold?

The Joint Committee on Education and Skills asked Mr. Collins to come before it. It was done at the very last minute, but the committee was looking at the question of digital competency. If Traveller children are already falling way behind and being pushed out of the education system, what will it mean in the context of how quickly we are moving in acquiring digital competencies and skills - digital literacy - within the workforce? Are there programmes within the education system aimed at young Traveller children to enable them to acquire digital literacy skills?

I am particularly concerned about class bias in algorithms and how people are being kept out of employment or the education system just because of their surname or address. This will have a considerable impact on the Traveller community. I am just wondering whether anything is being done regarding digital literacy among Traveller students?