Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Returning to the ethnic identifier, this was a specific issue within the Traveller community when its representatives spoke here earlier about the need for its introduction. I am aware that there is a conversation beginning with the coroner. It is important that that conversation is moved along sensitively but quickly. We need to be able to identify where the issues are within the health service, the mental health services, and the CSO in order to change this.

The Irish Traveller Movement told this committee that although 16% of the community live on halting sites, the records are based on accommodation. Some 84% of Traveller people are not part of that halting site group and cannot be identified as such to their health service.

The Irish Traveller Movement also raised the question as to why the Traveller health advisory committee has been dormant for some years. Will that committee be reinstated, and if so, when? The movement would see that as a serious part of their voice is respect of mental health services.

The Carlow-Kilkenny health project and the liaison nurse mentioned by Dr. Keogh are very interesting. I agree that this seems to be the key in providing access to the services for the people; once the services are there. Was that particular nurse - without giving too much information away - from the Traveller community?