Vol. 535 No. 1
327 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide a report on the implementation of the national traveller health strategy; if the strategy has been published; the resources which have been committed to this strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11848/01]
328 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children when he proposes to implement the Travellers health strategy as recommended by the Travellers Health Advisory Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11858/01]
338 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children the cause of the delay in launching the Traveller health strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11925/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 327, 328 and 338 together.
The National Traveller Health Advisory Committee has submitted its recommendations for a proposed national traveller health strategy. The committee's proposals will provide a major input into the national traveller health strategy which is currently being drafted in my Department with a view to publication shortly.
Upon publication, the strategy will be circulated to health boards who will be asked to draw up plans for the phased implementation of the strategy. It is expected that the National Traveller Health Advisory Committee will continue to play an important advisory role regarding the implementation of the strategy following its publication.
As the strategy is still being finalised, the Deputies will appreciate that I am not in a position to comment on what resources may be required for its implementation at this time. However, I was pleased to be able to allocate £1million in revenue funding for new developments in Traveller health services this year which is evidence of this Government's commitment to meeting the needs of this population group.
