Minister for Education Norma Foley TD today opened a public consultation process to inform development of the new Traveller and Roma Education Strategy. The first phase of consultation is by online survey and more targeted consultation will take place later this year. Interested parties are invited to complete an online survey, accessible on gov.ie at Traveller and Roma Education Consultation Survey.
The consultation process will inform the development of a new Traveller and Roma Education Strategy.

Minister Foley said: “I believe strongly that Traveller and Roma children should be given the best opportunity to achieve their potential in education.
“I am committed to ensuring that Traveller and Roma students have their educational needs met. We can do this through supporting their inclusion in schools and addressing any barriers that impact their educational attainment.
“I am delighted to announce the public consultation to inform the development of the new Traveller and Roma Education Strategy.
“The recent statistics report that my department published: Pupils from the Traveller Community 2016-2020, shows increasing numbers participating in the Senior Cycle and some positive trends, in particular in relation to retention to Junior Cycle and enrolment at post-primary level.
“The report does, however, show continuing low levels of Traveller retention to Leaving Certificate compared to the national average.
“It is imperative that we develop a new strategy, to provide a roadmap to close this gap. I encourage all interested parties to take part in this online consultation. This will in turn inform targeted consultations to take place later this year.
“During the consultation process, my department will ensure there is specific and meaningful engagement to ensure the meaningful participation of Traveller and Roma students, as well as their families.
“I hope to be in a position to publish the new strategy in 2024.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to “Continue with, and expand, the National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education and develop a National Traveller Education Strategy, including a plan to improve access to higher education for members of the Traveller Community.”

Currently, actions to advance Traveller and Roma education outcomes form part of the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy, a cross-departmental strategy that takes a whole-of-government approach to improving the lives of Travellers and Roma in practical and tangible ways, including the aims of achieving equality of education outcomes, supporting an inclusive school community, and promoting a positive culture of respect and protection for the cultural identity of Travellers and Roma in education.

Source: View the full statement here at education.ie

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