Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
1696. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the funding for Traveller health in each of the years from 2019 to date; the funding allocated to Traveller mental health for the same period; if there is an increase in this funding in Budget 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1404/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has a ring-fenced budget of €10 million for the provision of Traveller-specific health services. This is separate from the funding provided for general healthcare services that are availed of by the Traveller community, eg GMS, public health, acute hospitals, etc.
In Budget 2021, €270,000 was allocated to expand Traveller health units, as a first phase of the Traveller health action plan
In 2022, the Department allocated an additional €365,000 for Traveller mental health engagement, a further €55,000 was awarded for a peer-led research project to develop a Traveller mental wellness continuum framework. Funding of €500,000 was provided to increase access and provision of community drug and alcohol services, with a focus on services Travellers, women and LGBTI+.
In Budget 2023, the Dept of Health allocated an additional €1.3 million to the HSE to commence the implementation of the National Traveller Health Action Plan, with €300k of this being specifically allocated for Traveller mental health.
The Dept provided €500,000 for projects working with Traveller women at risk of homelessness from the Women’s Health Fund for the period 2023-2024. The Department proposes to commence an initiative to address the social determinants of Traveller health in conjunction with the Sláintecare healthy communities programme. Total funding of €710,000 from Dormant Accounts will be provided for this initiative in 2024 & 2025.
With regards to Budget 2024, Minister Butler allocated additional non-core funding to expand the Traveller Counselling Service, in line with action 27 in the THAP and action 2.3.3 in Connecting for Life. This targeted measure demonstrates the joined-up approach to Traveller health between mental health and inclusion health policy units in the Dept.
I and Minister Butler are fully committed to providing the leadership and resources to support the implementation of the national Traveller health action plan.
