Membership of the Traveller Community By Michael O’Riordan

General Overview Population: 30,000: less than 1% of pop. 6,500 to 7,000 families Nomadism Traveller Culture Areas of focus: Accommodation - 600 families in unauthorised sites Health - mortality rates Education – access: attendance: attainment Enterprise and Employment - progression

Legislative Framework Education Act 1998: “..equality of access….” Education Welfare Act : “…minimum education….” Equal Status Act: “..nine grounds….”

Traveller Participation in Education 2005: Facts & Figures 2,229 enrolled in mainstream post primary Number has doubled in the five year period 2000-2005 Full enrolment would be about, 3,300 2005 2004 1st Year - 745 1st Year - 671 2nd Year - 638 2nd Year - 556 3rd Year - 478 3rd Year - 357 4th Year - 86 4th Year - 44 5th Year - 172 5th Year - 145 6th Year - 110 6th Year - 72

Policy Guidelines Age Appropriate Placement Mainstream: Integration Intercultural Approach - guidelines DES Guidelines for Primary & Post Primary Schools Enhanced capitation and resource hours 1.5 hrs per student

Core Values & Guiding Principles Objective assessment of existing provision Rights of child upheld (UN) Respect for Traveller Culture Equality of access; participation; outcomes Commitment to partnership Involve parents Attitudes and expectations of teachers Lifelong learning

Supports & Services Visiting Teacher Service for Travellers School Completion Programme Junior Certificate Schools Programme Second Level Support Service SDPI Regional Offices DES NEWB NEPS