Mark Ward
Ceist:1694. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health for an update on the reinstatement of the Traveller Health Advisory Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1402/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 17 January 2024
Ceisteanna (1694)
Freagraí scríofa
The Traveller Health Advisory Committee (THAC) was disbanded in 2013 following a review of its operation. The creation of the HSE in 2006 resulted in significant changes to the functioning of THAC, especially in the area of funding and project allocation, which were transferred to the HSE.
The approach of the Department of Health with regards to Traveller health is to ensure that Travellers are mainstreamed in department policies and strategies. In 2023, the Department and the HSE published the national Traveller Health Action Plan.
The Department sits on the implementation group for the National Traveller Health Action Plan, which meets quarterly. The Department also hosts quarterly engagement meetings with to monitor progress of the plan’s implementation.
The Department sits on the steering committee for the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (NTRIS). It is responsible for reporting on health actions in NTRIS, and is currently contributing to the drafting the new NTRIS.