Vol. 571 No. 1
816 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that only 5% of Travellers are over 50 years of age and 2% are over 65 years of age; and if he has immediate plans to deal with this crisis in health care. [19753/03]
I am aware of the discrepancy in the life expectancy of Travellers when compared to that of the general population. In February 2002 I launched Traveller Health – A National Strategy 2002-2005, which is now Government policy. This strategy is operating in the context of the national health strategy, Quality and Fairness – A Health System for You.
The Traveller health strategy contains 122 action points, which when fully implemented will have a positive impact on the health of Travellers. A key action point of the strategy calls for the conduct of a Traveller health needs assessment and health status study which will expand on the indicators collected in the 1987 study of Travellers' health and inform appropriate actions required in the area of Travellers' health. My Department has entered into partnership with the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Northern Ireland, in order that this study can be carried out on a 32-county basis. The Institute of Public Health in Ireland has been requested to design the study in consultation with all interested bodies. The consultation phase of the design process, involving Travellers, Traveller representatives and relevant statutory health service providers in both jurisdictions, is nearing completion and the final design of the study will be submitted to both Departments in January 2004.
