Parents of pupils at two Rathkeale Co Limerick primary schools took their children out of school in a protest action.
The parents say that pupils at St Joseph’s Boys School and St Anne’s girls school face constant disruptions caused by the children of travellers joining the classes at the beginning of every school year.
According to local Fine Gael TD Dan Neville, "The educational opportunities of the children at this school are being severely limited.
"The application of age appropriate placement for all travellers regardless of their academic achievement is inherently wrong. It is not appropriate for children who are in constant attendance at class and it is not appropriate for those who are occasional attendees."
The parents have asked the Department of Education's to change its policy of integration in relation to the special needs of Rathkeale's large traveller population.
According to Mr Neville, "It restricts both groups. Mainstream children suffer because the teachers do not have the time to help students who have difficulties.
"What is the point in putting a child who has no literacy or numeracy skills whatsoever into 4th, 5th or 6th class? It is impossible for either mainstream or occasional pupils to benefit educationally."
