Neasa Hourigan
Question:1693. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the progress made since 27 June 2020 to implement a national Traveller health action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18686/21]
View answerWednesday, 21 April 2021
Questions (1693)
Written answers
The National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (NTRIS) is the Government policy framework for addressing the health and other needs of Travellers. It contains over 30 health-related actions across four themes. The Dept of Health and the HSE are represented on the steering committee for NTRIS and report on a regular basis on the various health actions.
A key health action in NTRIS (#73) is to develop and implement a detailed action plan to address the specific health needs of Travellers, using a social determinants approach. The lead role in developing the action plan rests with the HSE, in conjunction with Traveller organisations.
The Programme for Government also includes a commitment to implement a National Traveller Health Action plan.
Last year, the HSE established a steering committee to finalise the plan, including representatives of Traveller organisations. I understand that the committee has recently submitted a draft plan to the HSE national director for community strategy and planning. I understand that consideration of the plan and its resource implications has been delayed by the prioritisation of the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccination programme.
I look forward to receiving the agreed action plan and I am fully committed to providing the leadership and resources to ensure the implementation of the plan by the HSE.