Olivia Mitchell
Question:117 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children when the national Traveller health strategy will be published and adopted. [15347/01]
Written Answers. - Traveller Health Strategy.
Richard Bruton
Question:119 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if his Department has yet costed the elements of the draft Traveller health strategy submitted to him in December 2000; the overall cost of the package and that of the main components; the commitments which he is willing to make to implement each of the elements of the strategy; and if he will arrange to lay the draft strategy before Dáil Éireann for consideration. [15366/01]
Pat Carey
Question:120 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the status within his Department of the national Traveller health strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15380/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 117, 119 and 120 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 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 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 £1 million 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.