38 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Education and Science the participation rate of Traveller children in second level schools; the most recent figures relating to their retention to junior certificate level and to leaving certificate level; and the steps which he is taking to improve these rates. [2793/02]

My Department maintains a database of pupils enrolled in post primary schools. However, the database does not hold information in relation to the ethnic status of pupils. Accordingly, verified data in the format requested by the Deputy is not available.

My Department's national education officer for Travellers conducts an annual survey in relation to the number of Traveller children enrolled in post-primary schools. This survey is carried out using data collected by my Department's visiting teacher service for Travellers and is based on the number of Traveller children enrolled in schools on 30 September. It is estimated that there are approximately 1,400 Traveller children enrolled in post-primary schools in the current school year. It is also estimated that approximately 220 children are enrolled in the third year of the junior cycle and that approximately 65 pupils are enrolled in the final year of the senior cycle or in post leaving certificate courses.