Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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11. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs what is being done for Traveller children in our society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3215/16]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government commits the Government to promoting greater co-ordination and integration of delivery of services to the Traveller community across Government, using available resources more effectively to deliver on principles of social inclusion, particularly in area of Traveller education through the DEIS programme.

My colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality has primary responsibility for Traveller and Roma policy. The Department of Justice and Equality is currently leading a consultation process to develop a new National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy. This process will result in a new Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy 2016-2020 and a set of actions to bring about a real improvement in the quality of life for Travellers and Roma, including children.

Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures,ourmajor framework in relation to children and young people, contains a range of commitments to Traveller and Roma children, addressing issues such as health, education, and social inclusion. The State of the Nation’s Children Report (2014) includes a specific section on children in the Traveller Community on areas including nutrition, self-esteem, drug and alcohol use, family relationships, and feelings of safeness within community. The National Strategy on Children and Young People’s Participation in Decision-making(2015-2020) contains specific actions to strengthen participation in decision-making by Traveller children and young people.

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has a statutory responsibility to ensure each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. Tusla's education welfare service, comprising the statutory Education Welfare Service, the School Completion Programme and the Home School Community Liaison scheme, are key supports for children who are vulnerable to early school-leaving and educational disadvantage including Traveller children.

Children and families from the Traveller Community who require additional support or are identified as vulnerable also avail of other mainstream services within Tusla. Tusla works in partnership with local authorities, the Health Service Executive and schools to ensure an integrated response to the needs of children and families from the Traveller community including public health nursing, disability services and other relevant services. Tusla funds a number of Traveller specific projects and provides counselling grants to organisations serving the Traveller community.

My Department also provides annual funding to support specific projects which are targeted at young Travellers and offer a wide range of programmes and services aimed at young people at risk and who are disadvantaged due to a combination of factors such as social isolation, substance misuse, involvement in crime, homelessness, early school-leaving and unemployment.