Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022
662. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the actions that his Department has taken to implement the relevant recommendations from the Joint Committee on Key Issues Affecting the Traveller Community report issued in November 2021. [13999/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to improving the lives of the Traveller and Roma Communities in Ireland. Across all of Government, a wide range of specific and targeted policy approaches, designed in consultation with Traveller and Roma community representatives, are in place to seek those improved outcomes and encourage much greater inclusion across all of Irish society.
The recommendations contained in the Report of the Special Oireachtas Committee on Key Issues Affecting the Traveller Community will inform the next iteration of the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy. I am leading on this strategy and the support of all Government Departments will be crucial in ensuring the successor strategy will have a more outcomes focused approach.
I engaged with the Joint Oireachtas Committee before publication of their report in November 2021.
Review of NTRIS and development of successor strategy
With regard to the recommendations pertaining to my Department, you will be aware that the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (NTRIS) provides a framework for action on Traveller and Roma issues. It represents a whole of Government approach and brings Government Departments and Agencies together with representatives of Traveller and Roma communities to focus on key issues in a structured I chair the NTRIS Steering Committee.
The Programme for Government commits to a review of the Strategy and I will work with stakeholders to reviewing what has been achieved, and to developing new approaches, as necessary, with a particular focus on implementation and measurement. Proposals for an evaluation of the processes for implementation of three equality strategies - the Migrant Integration Strategy, the National Strategy for Women and Girls and NTRIS, which all concluded last year, have been sought. It is expected that the contract will be signed very shortly with work commencing in March and concluding in quarter three this year.
The reason for proceeding with an evaluation process that spans a number of equality strategies is to place the focus on implementation and to identify potential good practice in some areas that can be transferred to others. The objectives of our equality strategies remain largely relevant and the key challenge is to ensure better delivery. The issue of intersectionality also needs to be addressed in a more coherent manner.
The current NTRIS Steering Committee is remaining in operation during the Review process and our next meeting is scheduled for the end of March. Work will continue on implementing NTRIS’s actions, many of which remain highly relevant.
The Strategy Committee’s role will also be pivotal in developing the consultation process and the content for the successor strategy. The advice provided by Traveller and Roma organisations will directly shape the scope and focus of the next strategy.
Early learning and Care Services
With regard to the recommendations that relate to the early years sector, my Department will consider approaches to informing and supporting enhanced participation of Traveller and Roma children in Early Learning and Care services.
First 5 commits to the introduction of a DEIS-type model for Early Learning and Care settings to create further opportunities to narrow the gap for disadvantaged children including those from Traveller and Roma communities and we will be working on the design and development of this model.
The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) is available for all children including Traveller and Roma children with additional needs. The AIM model seeks to create a more inclusive environment in pre-schools, so all children, regardless of ability, can benefit from quality early learning and care. The model achieves this by providing universal supports to pre-school settings, and targeted supports, which focus on the needs of the individual child, without requiring a diagnosis of disability.
My Department also provides for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training. This training aims to foster awareness regarding equality, diversity and inclusion. It seeks to encourage and support those working in the Early Learning & Care (ELC) sector to actively advocate for the inclusion of all children and their families within the ELC setting.
Employment
Employment is an ongoing challenge in the Traveller and Roma community. In the development of the successor strategy to NTRIS, my Department will work with the NTRIS employment subgroup, the Department of Social Protection, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in developing an action plan for Traveller employment.
Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty
Finally, as you will be aware, the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty is a legal obligation on all public bodies to promote equality, prevent discrimination and protect the human rights of their employees, customers, service users and everyone affected by their policies and plans. Furthermore, a public body is required to report annually on developments and achievements in regard to the equality and human rights issues and actions, in a manner accessible to the public, in its annual report. The requirement to integrate the Duty in strategic plans and annual reports means that it is an ongoing obligation that must be monitored, reviewed, and developed in each strategic planning cycle.
