Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 May 2022
509. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made by his Department in 2022 on the implementation 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. [22055/22]
View answerThe Department of Health acknowledges 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. It is also acknowledged that 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. A key health action in NTRIS 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. A steering committee, which included relevant stakeholders and representatives of Traveller organisations, has drafted a Traveller Health Action Plan, to address the specific health needs of Travellers, including physical, mental and social well-being needs.
Covid-19 has brought into focus the health inequalities faced by Traveller communities. From the outset of the Covid pandemic, a range of additional measures were put in place by the HSE and local authorities to mitigate the risks faced by the Traveller community. The Traveller Health Action Plan will reflect the lessons from the public health response to Covid-19.
The Department has engaged with the HSE in the drafting of the Traveller Health Action Plan, to ensure that the plan is aligned with the Department's policy priorities as set out in the Slaintecare implementation strategy and action plan 2021-2023, the Healthy Ireland strategic action plan 2021-2025 and the Statement of Strategy 2021-2023. The plan should also take into account the recommendations in the report of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on key issues affecting the Traveller community, published in Novemrber 2021.
The Department acknowledges the frustration of Traveller organisations arising from the delay in publishing the plan. The publication and implementation of the plan is a priority for the Department and the HSE in 2022. The Department is fully committed to providing the leadership and resources to support its implementation. As an initial step, the Department provided €270,000 to expand Traveller health units in the HSE in 2021. Further measures will be considered in the context of Budget 2023.
I look forward to the imminent publication of the Traveller health action plan and to working together with all stakeholders to improve the health experiences and health outcomes for Travellers, in a comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable manner.
