Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I thank Mr. Joyce. I have three questions from Senator Flynn. I do not normally do this but because Senator Flynn is an advocate for the Traveller community, I will ask three questions on her behalf because she is unable to be here this afternoon.

The Traveller community has experienced educational discrimination and segregation at every single level for decades. Not only is it important for us to actively support the Traveller Culture and History in Education Bill, it is also important to have a Traveller education strategy that is created and developed by Traveller groups and provides mandatory training for our educators. Senator Flynn would like the witnesses to speak about the impact of discrimination towards Travellers in progression through the education system.

The digital divide has been raised already. Senator Flynn noted it has been a significant concern of hers. Although the Government introduced funding to bridge the divide, which in fairness she acknowledged, Travellers were not named for the supports offered to vulnerable students. She would like the witnesses to speak about the importance of targeted supports for Traveller students to bridge the digital divide.

The third question relates to reduced timetables. She acknowledges that it is a widespread practice and that until recently, her own nephew was on a reduced timetable. The discrepancies in data collection for issues concerning the Traveller community mean that national data are not reflective of reality. She would like the witnesses to speak about the discriminatory practices in our education system that hinder the participation in and access to education for Traveller students. I ask Mr. Joyce to come in first and then I will ask the other witnesses to reply to the Senator's questions.