Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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326. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the fact that in February 2013 the Children’s Rights Alliance awarded the Government a grade E for its unacceptable performance on the issue affecting traveller children in its annual report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23991/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I have noted the comments of the Children's Rights Alliance in its Report Card 2013 in relation to children who are members of the Travelling Community. I understand that although the Children's Rights Alliance consulted with other groups on the content of the Report Card relating to Traveller children, it did not consult with my Department in relation to developments concerning Traveller education. My Department would be keen to be consulted on future occasions in order to ensure a balance in the commentary as well as a currency of information.

This Government, through its various interventions in the education sector, is committed to improved retention rates, better learning experiences and improved outcomes for all children, including children who are members of the Travelling community. Recorded Traveller participation rates in education in recent years show an increase. In the 2004/05 school year, approximately 1,850 Traveller pupils aged between thirteen and eighteen (inclusive) were recorded as enrolled in post-primary schools and this increased to 2,698 in 2011/12 school year. The majority of Traveller students transfer from primary to post-primary education. Participation rates in the junior cycle have steadily improved from 1,598 Traveller students recorded in 2004/05 to 1,898 in the 2011/12 school year. The number of Travellers progressing to senior cycle has consistently improved in recent years from 260 in 2004/05 to 800 in 2011/12. Some 25% of young Travellers leave mainstream post-primary education, before completion of the senior cycle.

Current policy in relation to Traveller education is underpinned by the Report and Recommendations for a Traveller Education Strategy which was launched in 2006, following wide ranging consultation with relevant stakeholders including Traveller representative groups. The Strategy covers, in a very comprehensive manner, aspects of Traveller Education from pre-school right through to further and higher education within a lifelong learning context. The principle of inclusion is at the core of the Strategy and, accordingly, the focus of both current and future provision is on the development of a more inclusive school environment through the whole school planning process, teaching practice, admissions policies, codes of behaviour and whole school evaluation. In keeping with this principle, additional resources provided in the education system are allocated on the basis of individual educational need rather than that of ethnic or cultural background. Implementation of the Strategy is undertaken by the Department of Education and Skills in consultation with representatives of the Traveller community through the Traveller Education Strategy Advisory and Consultative Forum.