Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 912: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her views on correspondence from a group (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1065/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The aim of my Department for Traveller education is to enable Travellers to participate in an equal manner with other service users through integrated educational mainstream provision. I launched the Report and Recommendations for a Traveller Education Strategy in November 2006. The Report covers all aspects of Traveller Education from pre-school right through to further and higher education within a lifelong learning context. The core principle of the report is one of inclusion with an emphasis on equality and diversity and the adoption of an intercultural approach. This is in line with the Government's recommendations in the National Action Plan Against Racism (NAPAR) (2005). The principle of "individual educational need" rather than "Traveller identity" will underpin future actions including allocation of resources.

Education is a key element in supporting greater Traveller participation and empowerment in our society. The link between education, training and enterprise is perhaps the most vital in helping to increase the range of life choices that are available to Travellers. A lifelong learning approach will focus on the journey from Pre-school to Primary, Post-Primary and on to employment or further education and training. The key to success will be improvements in progression rates for Travellers to the end of Junior Cycle, on to Senior Cycle and from STTCs into further studies, training or employment. The Department also recognises that for some adults seeking second chance education they may require short term positive affirmative actions to gain the skills and competences to transfer on and progress into mainstream education, training or employment.

The Senior Traveller Training programme is a positive affirmative action by the Department of Education and Science which seeks to provide an opportunity for members of the Traveller community and other learners to: engage in a programme of learning that affirms their cultural identity; acquire the knowledge, skills and confidence to participate fully in society (Traveller community and settled community), enhance their employability and progress to further education, training, employment or other life choices.

The target group is people who have left school with either minimal or no qualifications. Particular effort is made to encourage parents on to the programme, given the impact this can have on their children's subsequent participation in mainstream primary and post-primary education. The centres have been successful in imparting the essential skills of literacy, numeracy, social/life skills, woodwork, metalwork and home economics, among many others, for Travellers who have left school after primary level or who may not have gone to school at all. Many adult Travellers are now availing of second chance education in these centres. They recognise the value education provides in the context of breaking the cycle of educational and social disadvantage that their community has experienced for many years.

The full programme is two years long encompassing a foundation and a progression phase. In exceptional circumstances learners may attend the programme for three years, if for example they are completing the Leaving Certificate Applied. After completing their programme in a STTC, a learner has the option of progressing on to other Further Education and training courses provided by the VEC or FÁS in their area. These courses may include the part time Back to Education Initiative, full time Post Leaving Certificate courese or they may chose from a number of FÁS options. A learner during their time in the centre and on completion of a programme at a STTC, can avail of the Adult Educational Guidance service in a VEC to explore options in terms of progression to further education and training. Travellers are encouraged to access mainstream literacy classes. In addition nineteen VECs provide literacy classes specifically for Travellers. In respect of the group referred to by the Deputy my department provides funds for Further and Adult Education which are disbursed through the Vocational Education Committees. Applications for support from this fund should be addressed directly to the VEC.