Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
170. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to launch a national Traveller and Roma inclusion strategy; and the resources that will accompany it for implementation. [20314/17]
View answerThe recent statement by the Taoiseach announcing State recognition of Traveller ethnicity was the culmination of a long-standing campaign by Travellers to have their identity, culture and unique position valued by their formal recognition as a distinct ethnic group. The key argument for recognition of Traveller ethnicity was that recognition of the distinct heritage, culture and identity of Travellers and their special place in Irish society would be hugely and symbolically important to Traveller pride and self-esteem and overcoming the legacy of economic marginalisation, discrimination and low self-esteem with which the Traveller community struggles. This is not to ignore the real problems that Travellers face but this symbolic gesture will create a new platform for positive engagement by the Traveller community and the Government in together seeking sustainable solutions based on respect and an honest dialogue on these issues and challenges. The historic statement by the Taoiseach is also a new beginning and the start of the work that we need to do as a society, in partnership with Travellers, to address the real and stark issues that face the Traveller community in areas such as health, employment, education and accommodation. I will present my plans to address these issues in the new National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy which I will, in consultation with other Departments and Traveller and Roma representatives, finalise shortly. I look forward to continuing to work with Travellers as part of what will be a broad-ranging Inclusion Strategy with an ambitious set of objectives. The focus is on enhanced coordination and more effective use of existing resources. Insofar as additional resources may be necessary for implementation of this Inclusion Strategy, this is a matter for the relevant Departments as part of the annual Estimates process. I was successful in securing an additional €1 million for my own Department's work in this regard for 2017 and I will seek further resources as the need arises in future years.
