Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

244. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he will take to ensure Traveller history and culture features in the national curriculum in view of the recognition of the Traveller community as an ethnic group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12160/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Inclusion in all its forms, including Travellers, is a key component of our primary and post-primary education.

At primary level, schools are expected to provide a broad and balanced curriculum that reflects the interests of their pupils and the school's context. The Primary Curriculum 1999 is complemented by Guidelines on Traveller Education in Primary Schools (DES, 2002) and Intercultural Education in the Primary School (NCCA, 2005). These guidelines promote an intercultural approach in the classroom and provide practical examples of how intercultural themes, including Traveller culture, can be accommodated through the various curriculum areas.

The current history specifications at junior and senior cycle have the flexibility to look at different aspects of Irish history on a thematic basis or on the basis of local historical study. Junior Cycle History is currently under review by the National council for Curriculum and Assessment and will shortly go to public consultation. The potential for Traveller history and culture to be examined in this context will be fully explored.

Civic, Social and Political Education (CSPE) at junior cycle and the new Politics and Society subject at Leaving Certificate level also present opportunities to explore the theme of Traveller culture and society and the issues involved in questions of ethnic identity and interculturalism. In Transition Year also, schools offer modules on interculturalism and many schools examine Travellers as an ethnic group in this context.

The Framework for Junior Cycle which was published in October 2012, is underpinned by eight key principles - one of which is inclusive education - whereby the educational experience is inclusive of all students and contributes to equality of opportunity, participation and outcomes for all.