"The educational problems of Itinerant children are similar in many respects to those of backward children generally, aggravated by social disability and a vagrant way of life." Department of Education report, 1970.

"This policy (Guidelines on Traveller Education in Primary Schools) has as its central aim the meaningful participation and highest attainment of the Traveller child so that, in common with all the children of the nation, he or she may live a full life as a child and realise his or her full potential as a unique individual, proud of and affirmed in his or her identity as a Traveller and a citizen of Ireland." Department of Education and Science 2002.

Estimated Traveller population: 30,000 (less than 1 per cent of total population)

Educational resource allocation : Traveller pre-schools - 52; resource teachers for Travellers - 500; special schools for Travellers - 3; Junior education centres - 5; second-level schools in receipt of extra teaching hours - 130; Senior training centres - 28; visiting teacher service - 40; national education officer for Travellers - 1.