Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 29 June 2021

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills

Traveller Education: Discussion

Mr. Bernard Joyce:

I will not be too long. We have probably covered some of these questions. On discrimination, we await anti-bullying measures for when Travellers experience discrimination in education based on their identity. That issue is of great concern. Four out of ten children experience bullying in education based on their identity. It is a fundamental issue that needs to be addressed. Discrimination impacts on children's participation and engagement in education. It can also impact on relationships both inside and outside school and on retention. In some cases, young people will clock out because of isolation and exclusion and it becomes a daunting and challenging place. I know the committee is supportive of the Traveller Culture and History in Education Bill, which is important.

The other question was about targeted supports. When I referred to the strategy previously, which Ms Joyce mentioned, cuts were introduced for the visiting teacher service and other actions. The cuts were a challenge and concern. I mentioned targeted supports earlier for young Travellers in education, specifically children who may not be in DEIS schools. It should go from primary to post-primary and into third level education, so it should follow the person and not the school.

Will the Chair remind me of the last question?

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.