Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 September 2021
190. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health the status of the delivery of the National Traveller Health Action Plan; the status of the HSE steering group on this plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45336/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (NTRIS) is the Government policy framework for addressing the health and other needs of Travellers. It contains over 30 health-related actions across four themes. The Dept of Health and the HSE are represented on the steering committee for NTRIS and report on a regular basis on the various health actions.
A key health action in NTRIS (#73) 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. The Programme for Government also includes a commitment to implement a National Traveller Health Action plan.
I understand that last year the HSE established a steering committee, which included representatives of Traveller organisations, to finalise the plan. The committee recently submitted a draft plan to the HSE national director for Community Strategy and Planning. I am advised that consideration of the plan and its resource implications has been delayed by the prioritisation of the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccination programme.
I look forward to receiving the agreed action plan and I am fully committed to providing the leadership and resources to ensure the implementation of the plan by the HSE.
The details requested by the Deputy are operational in nature and accordingly I have referred the question to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
