Bernard Allen
Question:282 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to introduce targeted interventions for the travelling community. [27050/99]
Written Answers. - Health Care for Travellers.
On foot of the recommendations of the report of the task force on the travelling community, which was published in 1995, I have established, in my Department, a traveller health advisory committee. This committee comprises officers of my Department, officials of the health boards, travellers representatives and travellers. Traveller health units have also been established in the health boards with the same type of representation. These structures give travellers and their representatives an input into the planning of health services, thus ensuring that account is taken of traveller culture.
The traveller health advisory committee is currently drafting a policy document on traveller health which will take into account the recommendations of the task force. This policy document will be published next year.