Mr. Bernard Joyce:

A strategy was there previously but unfortunately, it was not implemented. We are a long way off that. We would like it to include investment and clear, tangible actions in terms of supports from primary to post-primary. Some say it is from cradle to grave and that it requires a whole holistic approach in education. Education has to be tailored towards needs as opposed to trying to fit Travellers into a system. We do not just fit in like a parcel into a box. At the moment, we are being asked to engage in a system that does not meet the needs in some cases. For example, we want to see the elimination of reduced times. We want to see investment in children. Early education is also really important, before a child goes to school. We know the importance of pre-education before a child goes to primary and then on to secondary. There is a massive deficit in literacy and numeracy at present so that by the time a child gets to post-primary, they are falling way behind. It is not about attendance but support structures. As for outcomes, we want to see an increase in third level and finally we want to see opportunities in employment. Some 82% of Travellers are unemployed. We must get to the stage where there is a ramp-up in investment and supports, as well as a strategic approach and actions as Ms Reilly and Ms Joyce said, especially around interventions. That is the only way we will get out of this and ensure that our community has the best possible opportunity into the future.