Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Mar 1993

Vol. 428 No. 1

Written Answers. - Travellers' Task Force.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

411 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform when the task force to monitor the implementation of Government policy on travellers will begin its work; the way in which the task force will be formed and who it will represent; the task force's relationship with the existing committee to monitor the implementation of Government policy on travelling people; whether the task force will replace or complement this committee; the budgeting allocation in 1993 for each of the already existing committees and for the proposed task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Equality and Law Reform (Mr. Taylor)

Under the Programme for a Partnership Government, 1993-1997 I have been entrusted wih responsibility for articulating and implementing Government policy in relation to travellers.

As indicated in the programme, it is proposed to set up a Task Force, which will be chaired by a member of the Oireachtas, to monitor implementation of measures in favour of travellers. The Task Force can help to ensure that a fair share of the burden of providing halting sites is undertaken by local authorities and also within each local authority area. It will also ensure that appropriate, co-ordinating planning is undertaken in relation to Government aims generally.

With a view to setting up the Task Force, I have had preliminary discussions with a number of organisations which represent travellers. Discussions have also taken place with statutory bodies which provide services for travellers.

I have committed myself to having further discussions with relevant interests in drawing up the precise terms of reference for the Task Force and selecting its membership. I hope to be in a position to engage in that process shortly.

Without attempting to pre-empt these discussions, I can state that the Task Force will be provided with wide terms of reference. Its membership will comprise travellers, travellers support groups, elected local councillors and also individuals who have experience and expertise in promoting the welfare of travellers.

Pending the planned discussions, it would not be appropriate for me, at this stage, to detail my own proposals, beyond the broad outline which I have given, in relation to the precise terms of reference, composition, structure, role and budget of the proposed Task Force.

The three-year term of office of the committee monitoring the implementation of Government policy on travelling people expired on 31 December last. My colleague, the Minister for Health, does not, as far as I am aware, have any plans to reconstitute it in the light of my plans to establish a Task Force.