To each Principal Teacher:
Re: National School Annual Census 2013/3014 Onwards – Collection of Data on Pupils
who are Members of the Traveller Community
The withdrawal of resource teachers for Travellers (Circular 0017/2011) resulted in a change
in the way pupils from the Traveller community are included in the National School Annual
Census form. The new question on pupils who are members of the Traveller community was
introduced on the Census form in 2011/2012. This question is necessary for statistical
purposes and also for the continued allocation of the Traveller Capitation Grant.
Please note that parental consent is required in the identification of a pupil as a member of the
Traveller community. In order to gain parental consent the Department recommends that each
school issue a consent form to all parents of pupils attending the school. A standardised
consent form that can be used for this purpose is attached. A copy of this will also be
available on the Department’s website at:
http://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Services/Returns/National-School-AnnualCensus-Return/Census-National-School-Annual-Census-Return.html
Schools are reminded that they are data controllers1for the data they collect for their own
purposes, including collection and transferring of data to avail of funding and services
provided by the Department. Please note that the Department does not require these consent
forms to be returned to the Department.
“Traveller community” means the community of people who are commonly called Travellers
and who are identified (both by themselves and others) as people with a shared history,
culture and traditions including, historically, a nomadic way of life on the island of Ireland
(Section 2(1) of the Equal Status Act, 2000).
Statistics Section,
June, 2013
Tel. 01-8892085
1
Data controller means a person who, either alone or with others, controls the contents and uses of personal data.
SCHOOL LOGO
Consent Form for the Collection of Sensitive Personal Data for the School’s National
School Annual Census Return to the Department of Education and Skills
Certain sensitive personal data which the Department asks national schools to furnish via the “National School
Annual Census” process requires your written consent for your child’s school to record this information. Note
that for the 2013/2014 school year the school will forward this information to the Department in aggregate
format only (i.e. individualised data will not be forwarded to the Department).
Please note that the reference to “you” in this consent form means a parent or a guardian of a student who is
attending a recognised national school.
Please enter the following details in BLOCK CAPITALS:
Name of School:
____________________________________________________
Name of Parent/Guardian:____________________________________________________
Name of Student:
____________________________________________________
Class of Student:
1.
___________________________
Is your child a member of the Traveller community*?
(please CIRCLE the appropriate answer)
YES
NO
*“Traveller community” means the community of people who are commonly called Travellers and who
are identified (both by themselves and others) as people with a shared history, culture and traditions
including, historically, a nomadic way of life on the island of Ireland (Section 2(1) of the Equal Status
Act, 2000).
Signed: ___________________________
Parent/Guardian
Date:
____________________________
Please complete this form and return to your national school.This form will be retained by the school and
will be made available for inspection by authorised officers of the Department or from the Office of the Data
Protection Commissioner.