Roma children must be supported at school and at home - Ruane

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has said that while it is essential to provide the Romanian families with safe accommodation, the education of the children is also a priority.

The Minister said: “As Education Minister, my main responsibility is to provide a high quality education for all children based on equality of opportunity. At this difficult time for the Romanian families, we need to ensure the 40 Roma children who attend local schools are fully supported as of right.

“Earlier this year we were able to provide around £7,000 for schools to provide free school meals for these children. They are already disadvantaged in school through having to learn a new language and it is important that hunger was not a further barrier to education.

“The provision of this funding was an emergency response, but we have since taken action to ensure that children who come to school hungry are provided with free school meals. The specific needs which Roma pupils have are also now recognised and additional funding is provided to schools to meet these needs. This additional support will help every child to get the most from their time at school.”

Notes to Editors:

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