Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 November 2018
147. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health if funding will be increased for Traveller health; the action being taken to improve Traveller health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46212/18]
View answer166. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the reason there has been no increase in the Traveller health budget since 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46320/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 166 together.
Health and well-being are not evenly distributed across society. There are socially excluded groups who experience extreme health inequalities. Such groups include Travellers homeless people, refugees and asylum seekers and people with addiction issues. Inequalities in health are reflected in the mortality and morbidity rates of the population. Rates of chronic diseases are another indicator of health inequalities. A social gradient is also apparent in mental health. Reducing health inequalities can delivery real benefits for society and for future generations. It requires interventions to address the social determinants of health and to provide integrated and comprehensive healthcare services.
The health needs of Travellers' are documented in the landmark All Ireland Traveller Health Study, published in 2010 and funded by the Department of Health.
The Department of Health, through the HSE, provides funding in the region of €10m per annum for programmes to improve the health situation for Traveller communities.
These include:
- primary healthcare projects, counselling services, family support programmes and men's health projects; dedicated public health nurses and related staff;
- mental health promotion and suicide prevention services in a culturally sensitive manner, to reduce the stigma associated with mental health.
A further €500,000 funding is provided through the Dormant Accounts Fund for initiatives aimed at improving Traveller mental health.
The Department recently convened a workshop on Traveller health needs. This involved representation from various policy units in the Department of Health, Community Healthcare Organisations within the HSE and Traveller organisations.
As Minister with responsibility for health promotion and social inclusion, I am very aware of the health inequalities faced by Travellers. Both I and the Department are committed to enhancing funding to address the acute health needs of Travellers, within the budgetary resources available.
