1. Membership of the Traveller CommunityBy
Michael O’Riordan

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

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

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

5. 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

6. 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

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