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Traveller Accommodation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 November 2021

Thursday, 11 November 2021

Ceisteanna (89)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

89. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the implementation of the recommendations of the Traveller accommodation expert review 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55130/21]

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Freagraí scríofa

The Traveller Accommodation Expert Review Report has 32 recommendations which can be broken down into 4 categories which are aimed at:  

1. addressing research deficiencies, including how information is gathered and used;

2. removing any potential delays and obstacles in the planning system in terms of delivery;

3. increasing resources and delivery capacity; and

4. 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.

Prior to the establishment of a Programme Board to drive implementation of recommendations from the Expert Group Report, my Department has been progressing a number of recommendations and consulting with and reporting on progress to the National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee.

The Programme Board has agreed a work programme for 2021. Projects have been established to examine in detail the issues which need to be considered in respect of the 18 recommendations included in the current work programme. To date 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. I also approved a 50% increase in funding for the Management and Maintenance of halting sites and group housing schemes earlier this year.  Regulations are to be implemented shortly to provide for a Traveller identifier on the Social Housing Support application form.  My Department has liaised with the CSO in relation to the upcoming census to ensure that all Travellers are facilitated to participate in Census 2022.

The Programme Board has recently agreed to report progress on implementation of the recommendations contained in the report on my Department’s website.  It is expected that this information will be available shortly. 

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