Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The hot meals and the breakfast clubs for children are very much welcomed by the Traveller community. I have a lot of criticism because I can see history keep repeating itself. I know the good work that individuals in the Department of Education and organisations are doing. Again, when that young woman or man reaches the age of 16, what happens? Is that down to poverty? When we were in school, you had the family allowance if you stayed in school until you were 19. I know the Government has resourced that now. Would that be something positive going forward for mothers and fathers who are trying to keep their heads above water too? Maybe having that extra few pounds in the month might support keeping a child in school. That was one of the reasons I stayed in school. That was the reality of it.

As Deputy Stanton has said, I know and can feel the positives from the witnesses here today, in that they want to do good for all children in Ireland, including Traveller, migrant and Roma children. That is really welcome to hear. Financial pressure is a big issue when it comes to children from disadvantaged areas completing school, so I think having the family allowance extended until the child finishes school could be something positive. We will not see the result of that maybe for a year or two but we really need to have solutions where more than 31% of Traveller children go on and get a leaving certificate.