Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020
434. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans for the implementation of the recommendations of the expert group on Traveller accommodation published in July 2019. [15742/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are 32 recommendations in the Traveller Accommodation Expert Review Report, including proposals aimed at:
- addressing research deficiencies, including how information is gathered and used;
- removing any potential delays and obstacles in the planning system in terms of delivery;
- increasing resources and delivery capacity; and
- strengthening governance arrangements.
The recommendations have been categorised into separate streams reflecting recommendations that can be completed within my Department, recommendations that require the assistance of other Government Departments and Agencies and recommendations that will require the commission of further independent research.
I plan to establish a dedicated Programme Board led by my Department and including all the necessary representatives to drive implementation of the Report. The work will be informed by input from key stakeholders, including those representing Travellers.
My Department has already been able to progress a number of short term recommendations and working groups are already working on others. For example, a review has been concluded of the arrangements for the disbursement of funding for the provision and refurbishment of Traveller specific accommodation and a new process implemented for the 2020 allocation of funding process.
Meetings have taken place with working groups within my Department and with other Government agencies and Departments. Officials from my Department are reporting progress on the implementation of the recommendations of the Expert Group report at the NTACC meetings along with seeking input from them as major stakeholders.
