Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the reduction of teachers in schools (details supplied) in Dublin 17; if these teachers will be reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9060/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The decision to remove resource teachers for Travellers from schools was one of the measures taken by the previous Fianna Fáil - Green Party Government in the last budget. I do not intend to revisit the decision of the previous Government to withdraw resource teacher for Traveller posts. The Deputy will understand the economic situation means difficult decisions have had to be taken. The requirements to make expenditure savings and ensure staffing numbers remain within the public service employment control framework prevent me from revisiting this decision. Both of the schools referred to by the Deputy are DEIS schools and are in receipt of enhanced pupil-teacher ratios. In respect of such DEIS schools, for the 2011-12 school year, Traveller pupils will be included in the valid enrolment for the purpose of allocating additional staffing under DEIS. The schools involved will have already received their staffing allocations for next year, taking into account this adjustment. These decisions broadly reflect the recommendations in the report and recommendations for a Traveller education strategy that an integrated, collaborative and in-class learning support system should be adopted for all children, including Travellers, with an identified educational need. The strategy aims to enhance access, attendance, participation and engagement for Travellers and is underpinned by the principles of inclusion and mainstreaming with an emphasis on equality and diversity.