Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 November 2019
147. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that existing health policy such as Sláintecare and new and existing strategies or policies are Traveller proofed to ensure that distinct health needs and significant health inequalities in relation to Travellers are addressed. [47047/19]
View answerSláintecare is a high-level delivery programme, tasked with delivering a health and social care service that meets the needs of all our population.
As part of Sláintecare, a resource allocation model is to be implemented on a regional basis. The model will be based on the population profile of the regions, which, it is intended, will capture the differing health needs of the region. As committed to in the Sláintecare Action Plan 2019, work is ongoing under the Population-Based Planning Programme to establish population quantum and profile by region, which includes factors such as age, deprivation and ability.
The Department of Health is developing an inclusion health framework to enhance the delivery of health and social care services to meet the complex health needs of socially excluded groups.
The HSE Intercultural Health Strategy provides an integrated approach to addressing the many unique health and support needs experienced by service users of diverse ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds who live in Ireland.
The HSE is developing a Traveller health action plan, based on the findings of the All Ireland Traveller Health Study, 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.
