Colette Kelleher (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We were all delighted to be part of the Traveller recognition but that is not worth anything unless Travellers begin to prosper. Education is key. The Minister correctly stated it is dismal. I referred to the levels of participation right across the system, but particularly in third level. The baseline is so low that we surely can raise our game. It is good that there is a committee looking at it.

However, I was also looking at the measures in the strategy. A network of peer support and mentoring is one of them. That is a great idea, but what is happening? The strategy includes good practice initiatives but again they are pilots. These are all aspirational. There are few concrete proposals here.

On school enrolment, are schools discriminating against Travellers?We have had some high profile cases. I noted that No. 11 in the strategy states that a review will be published in early 2017. I do not know if the review has been published. If not, it would be helpful if the Minister came back to the Seanad in this guise, as a Commencement matter, or as part of our debates to consider this matter further. This is a matter of urgency.