Multi-denominational schools have no Traveller children enrolled at primary level in Dublin, according to statistics given in a Dáil reply. Educate Together schools claim to offer equal access to children whatever their background.
There are also no Traveller children enrolled in Dublin Gaelscoileanna. Educate Together schools and Gaelscoileanna are started by parents who are unhappy with the education provided by mainstream schools.
According to its website, Educate Together schools are "multidenomina- tional, [ meaning] all children having equal rights of access to the school, and children of all social, cultural and religious backgrounds being equally respected".
However, the figures on enrolment levels in September 2002 indicate they do not cater to children in Dublin from Traveller backgrounds.
However, Mr Paul Rowe, chief executive of Educate Together, said he "seriously questions" the statistics contained in a written Dáil response from the Department of Education to Mr John Curran TD.
Many mainstream schools did not have Traveller children, he said. Furthermore, Educate Together schools catered for significant numbers of foreign nationals, children with disabilities and children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
"Educate Together seriously questions the basis upon which these statistics are drawn up," Mr Rowe said.
"Educate Together schools do not require statements from parents on matters concerning social, religious or cultural family backgrounds."
At least one school employed resource teachers for Traveller children, he said, and Traveller children were enrolled in its schools from time to time.
The reasons why Traveller enrolment levels were low from time to time included the importance to Travellers of a Catholic ethos in education, he said, the fact that most Educate Together schools were oversubscribed and the system for setting up new schools.
Ms Colette Murray, of Pavee Point, which represents Travellers, agreed that the location of Educate Together schools and the Catholic ethos of many Travellers may play a role in their lack of participation. However, she was disappointed at the figures.
Ms Nora Ní Loinsigh of Gaelscoileanna said she was surprised by the figures. There are 27 Gaelscoileanna in the Dublin area, 12 of which are located in disadvantaged areas, she said.
"There definitely wouldn't be a policy of excluding Traveller children from Gaelscoileanna. I think all schools should be open to anyone, regardless of their background. I don't think Gaelscoileanna should be any different."