Traveller Accommodation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 3 December 2021

Friday, 3 December 2021

Ceisteanna (28)

Joan Collins

Ceist:

28. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing issues regarding the lack of water and adequate sanitation at a site (details supplied) in County Mayo at which families have been waiting 21 years for the issue to be addressed; the steps his Department will take to ensure that the budget allocated to Traveller accommodation in the area will be utilised to resolve this health and safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57469/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (NTRIS) provides a framework for action on Traveller and Roma issues.

NTRIS encompasses action on themes such as cultural identity, employment, education, health and accommodation.  I chair the NTRIS Steering Committee, however, Departments have responsibility for delivering actions under their areas of responsibility.

My Department has no responsibility for housing maters or the Traveller Accommodation budget.  The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage provides both capital and current funding to support the provision of Traveller specific accommodation through local housing authorities.   Consequently, I am not in a position to provide the information sought by the Deputy in relation to this specific site.