Ms Maria Joyce:

Regarding assessments and delays, particularly in school settings, we all recognise that there are delays for any child in a school setting who needs an assessment so this is also an issue for Traveller children. This area really needs to be looked at across the board. Regarding children with disabilities, it involves all of those intersectionalities. We know that a Traveller child with a disability will face additional barriers. It is the same for any ethnic minority or children from poor socioeconomic backgrounds. Assessments for children most at need and most at risk are probably furthest from them. I know this meeting is about child protection and well-being in that space but reduced timetables continue to deny Traveller children or children with disabilities because they are the ones at whom they are most targeted. Again, this is the State denying a child's right to a full education and the opportunities this affords in later life.