Gay Mitchell
Question:252 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on his plans to attend to Traveller health issues as raised by the DACT (details supplied). [15082/01]
Written Answers. - Traveller Health Strategy.
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 being drafted in my Department with a view to publication shortly.
Upon publication, the strategy will be circulated to health boards which 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 in relation to the implementation of the strategy following its publication.
As the strategy is still being finalised, the Deputy 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 £1 million in revenue funding for new developments in Traveller health services this year which is evidence of the Government's commitment to meeting the needs of this population group.