David Stanton
Ceist:95 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the further plans she has to improve circumstances of the Traveller community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7638/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 23 February 2006
Ceisteanna (100)
Freagraí scríofa
Since 1997 over €11 million in ongoing revenue funding has been allocated to Traveller specific health services such as the appointment of designated public health nurses for Travellers and the replication of the primary health care for Traveller project, which established a model for Traveller participation in the development of health services. Funding is allocated through the Traveller health units in each Health Service Executive area. Travellers and Traveller organisations are involved in partnership with Health Service Executive personnel through each Traveller health unit in the development of Traveller health services and in the allocation of resources.
My Department and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland are jointly committed to carrying out a Travellers' all-Ireland health study to develop and extend the information collected in a 1987 study of Travellers' health. The results of this study will inform the development of future health services for Travellers. Tenders for the conduct of this study have been received by my Department and it is expected that the study will commence later this year.