Mr. Bernard Joyce:

The level and scale of use of reduced timetables is shocking. The Constitution gives every child a right to a full-time education and that applies to every child, including Traveller children. As far as I am aware, that is the only enshrined legislation that gives such a right. That is why the recommendations are so important. The previous committee issued clear recommendations that sought to eliminate the use of reduced timetables, which affect both Traveller children and other groups in society.

On the legacy point Ms Joyce raised in the historical context of segregation, as I mentioned, not long ago there was institutionalised racism and segregation in Irish society. The separation of Traveller children from the mainstream, settled population was a significant indictment of society. That institutionalised racism needs to be acknowledged, both in the context of the past and to ensure that Travellers' current circumstances change rapidly. In recognising that, there need to be positive actions on the part of the State, including through the Traveller Culture and History in Education Bill, to ensure our culture and history will inform the educational curriculum and allow the vast majority of students to learn about Traveller culture and history. It has a significant and important role not only for Travellers today but also for Irish society.