Seanad Debate on Reduced School Days for Traveller and Roma Students (data.oireachtas.ie)

• 1,275 students on reduced school days in 2023/24, up 22% from 1,044
• Traveller/Roma RSD numbers down 10% to 87 (0.6% of their enrolment)
• Traveller and Roma Education Strategy (TRES) includes new coordinators and link workers
• Senator Flynn highlights persistent barriers for marginalised communities
• Minister Grealish reiterates RSD as temporary, exceptional measure

"In a Seanad Éireann debate on 30 April 2025, Senator Eileen Flynn raised concerns about the disproportionate use of reduced school days (RSD) for Traveller, Roma, and special needs students. Minister of State Noel Grealish responded, stating that RSD should only be a temporary measure. The number of students on RSD increased 22% year-on-year to 1,275 (0.13% of total enrolment). However, among Traveller and Roma students, the number decreased 10% to 87. New measures under the Traveller and Roma Education Strategy (TRES) include coordinators and community link workers. The debate highlighted ongoing educational inequality and the need for stronger enforcement."