Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
1625. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the expected timeline for the publication of a national Traveller health action plan, as set out in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20358/22]
View answer1686. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the publication and implementation of the national Traveller health action plan, as set out in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20599/22]
View answer1691. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the way that the planned national traveller health action plan will combat Traveller health inequalities, which were particularly highlighted during the pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20621/22]
View answer1693. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health the impact the planned national traveller health action plan is aiming to have on the health and well-being of Travellers nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20632/22]
View answer1761. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the budgetary supports that have been allocated by his Department to the HSE since May 2020 to progress the publication and implementation of the national Traveller health action plan in view of the urgency of this matter, due to the generally poor health outcomes for members of the Traveller community; his plans to fully implement the action plan and provide the resources to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20861/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1625, 1686, 1691, 1693 and 1761 together.
I wish to acknowledge the severe health needs of Travellers, who die younger, have more illnesses, and are at greater risk of substance misuse and mental ill-health. These health inequalities are rooted in the social determinants of health, which encompass poverty and social exclusion, poor living conditions, low education attainment, unemployment and discrimination. In addition, Travellers can face difficulties in accessing healthcare services.
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 National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (#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 HSE established a steering committee, which included relevant stakeholders and representatives of Traveller organisations, to finalise the development of a Traveller Health Action Plan, to address the specific health needs of Travellers, be it physical, mental and social well-being needs.
Covid-19 has brought into focus the health inequalities faced by Traveller communities, and from the outset, the Government has recognised the increased risks facing this community. A range of additional measures were put in place to support the Traveller community during the Covid crisis by local authorities and the HSE. The new Traveller Health Action Plan reflect the lessons from the public health response to Covid-19. The finalisation and publication of the National Traveller Health Action Plan (NTHAP) is a priority area for action in the HSE Service Plan for 2022. As an initial step towards implementing the plan, the Department provided €270,000 to expand Traveller health units in 2021. Further measures will be considered in the context of Budget 2023.
The Department of Health is fully committed to providing the leadership and resources to ensure the implementation of the Traveller health action plan, once agreed.
