Tony McCormack (Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Joyce for her opening statement. I thank Ms McDonagh and I know the great work she is doing with the Offaly Traveller Movement. We have been on a couple of committees together. I recognise, as she said earlier, that she has a very good relationship with Tusla. She also has a very good relationship and great working relationship with most or all of the bodies in County Offaly which is fantastic.

When talking about access to education Ms McDonagh stated earlier the fact that the social care education is in Cork and unfortunately is inaccessible for some of the people in Offaly who want to access it. Would it be possible to do online courses as opposed to actually having to go down to the college? I understand about social care, but there are other aspects and bodies that interact with Traveller groups in Offaly and the jobs in those areas as well. Education is huge. What are the particular challenges for Travellers to access and to stay in education? How can schools better support Traveller families to ensure equal opportunities? What role do Traveller groups have to play in encouraging and supporting education for children and young adults who want to go on to further education?