Parents boycotting a Co Galway national school in protest at the proposed enrolment of Traveller children have been urged to end their action.
Parents have withdrawn their children from classes at Ballinruane National School but the two-teacher school has remained open.
The parents object to the proposed enrolment of eight children from two Traveller families at the school, three miles from Menlough, where about a dozen pupils are enrolled.
Mr Fintan Farrell of the Irish Traveller Movement said it was important now that some people in the community of Ballinruane should bring sense to the situation and call off the boycott.
He was informed on Wednesday that one of the Traveller families involved had moved out of the area. His concern, he said, was for the hurt and pain caused.
Mr Farrell explained: "Bertie Ahern, speaking about the situation at the Holy Cross School in Belfast, said every child has the right to go to school in peace and safety, free from abuse and sectarian hatred. We want to apply that sort of sentiment to this situation and to recognise that this is the position of the Department."
The Department of Education, the school board of management, the Travellers and officials from the Western Health Board are involved in negotiations to bring about an end to the dispute.
