Dr. Paul Alexander:

I thank Senator Flynn for her question. The primary online database, POD, is the main source of information on students at primary level and the second level equivalent is the post-primary online database, known as the PPOD. We do collect ethnicity data. However, it is a special category of information and is opt-in only. Parents have to explicitly opt in to providing ethnicity information for their son or daughter who is attending a school when they are enrolling in the school. We collect that information and have it available. Our intention is to begin adding it in as an indicator for Roma and Traveller groups but we have to be very mindful of statistical disclosure because the numbers can be very small on occasion and also because parents can opt not to provide the information. There is an opt-out option. Parents can simply say that they do not want to provide information on their child's ethnicity and that is their right under the General Data Protection Regulation, GDPR. Our intention is to start publishing information collectively on Traveller and Roma students. We already have a Traveller- and Roma-specific report on how they are doing in various stages of education. That is on the Department's website and I would welcome Senator Flynn's comments on that.