Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
1223. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the plans the local authorities are implementing to mitigate against Covid-19 infection amongst Traveller families (details supplied). [9021/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1224. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the services and facilities the local authorities have put in place for Traveller families during the Covid-19 pandemic (details supplied). [9022/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1223 and 1224 together.
In accordance with the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas. My Department’s role is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist the authorities in providing such accommodation, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding. It is a matter for each local authority to assess the adequacy of provisions on sites (both authorised and unauthorised) and implement measures as necessary, taking into consideration advice from the HSE, fire safety guidelines, local area plans, public procurement guidelines and any other considerations relevant to their area.
In response to the COVID-19 health emergency, I and my Department have engaged with local authorities and Traveller representative groups to put a responsive plan in place to address identified and emerging health risks to the Traveller population nationwide, particularly as some members of the Traveller community, such as those living on sites with limited facilities, may be particularly vulnerable. My Department is in regular contact with the local authorities and is ensuring that funding approvals, where appropriate, are granted as a matter of priority.
