Colette Kelleher (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am encouraged by the commitment of the Minister of State. It is important to state that every child in the country, from whatever background, has a right to education. Reduced timetables must not be used as a behavioural management tool. It is important to reiterate this as it should apply to Traveller children or any other children. It should only arise in exceptional circumstances. I am drawing the attention of the Minster of State to the fact that this is not the case and that it is becoming the normal standard, but it is not being recorded or documented. I want the Department to look at documenting its prevalence.

The best interests of children are served if they go to school, stay in school and go on to third level education. Only 167 Travellers have ever done this according to the CSO. This is a shocking statistic and it is related to what has come before where a person is unable to finish school. I would like to hear from the Minister of State about what she is proposing along with the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and Tusla. I would appreciate it if the Minister of State could write to me on the matter with information on the results of the pilot. This is about the life chances of children and their ability to get on in the world.