Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 November 2019
141. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health his plans to resource and implement the national Traveller health action plan including a commitment to ring-fence funding; and his plans for the establishment of an institutional mechanism with the HSE and his Department to drive the delivery and implementation of same. [47041/19]
View answer142. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the role of his Department in the development, approval and implementation of the forthcoming national Traveller health action plan [47042/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 142 together.
Health and wellbeing 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.
The National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (NTRIS) has over 30 actions to address the health needs of Travellers and Roma. It includes an action for the HSE to develop and implement a detailed action plan, based on the findings of the All Ireland Traveller Health Study, 2010, to continue to address the specific health needs of Travellers, using a social determinants approach.
I understand the health action plan will be finalised by the HSE by the end of the year. I and the Minister for Health are engaged with and supportive of the health action plan. We are committed to providing leadership to support the implementation of the action plan. The Department will review the arrangements for engagement with Traveller organisations to support the action plan and is willing to participate in any new HSE structure to oversee the implementation of the plan.
