In response to the COVID-19 health emergency, I and my Department have engaged with local authorities and Traveller representative groups to put a responsive plan in place to address identified and emerging health risks to the Traveller population nationwide, particularly as some members of the Traveller community, such as those living on sites with limited facilities, may be particularly vulnerable. My Department is in regular contact with the local authorities and is ensuring that funding approvals, where appropriate, are granted as a matter of priority.
To date, the Department has approved funding for the provision of 62 mobiles to deal with over-crowding and for self-isolation purposes, as part of this response. Local authorities are also providing accommodation through a variety of social housing solutions.