Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 266: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the schools in the Dublin South-Central electoral area which will be affected by the decision to cut funding for supporting Traveller children in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37740/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Notwithstanding the increase of €302 million in the Education budget for 2009, which is a real achievement in the current economic climate, a number of tough and difficult decisions had to be taken. These decisions included reducing the enhanced capitation funding paid to schools in respect of traveller pupils enrolled. This measure will involve savings of approximately €1.2 million on current levels. Approximately €2.4 million was made available in 2008 in respect of enhanced capitation for traveller pupils. Budget measures relating to enhanced capitation for traveller children amounts to a reduction of about €1.2m. Currently €60m spent on resources for Travellers in our schools.

There will still be 520 resource teachers for travellers in our primary schools, extra teaching hours equivalent to 136 posts at second level and 42 visiting teachers. These are in addition to the normal classroom teachers and represent a considerable resource and are not affected by the Budget measures.