Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is important to have true and accurate information on where Travellers live and their accommodation preferences. The Department noted the findings of the 2022 annual estimates of accommodation of Traveller families, which indicted there were 12,183 Traveller households in the State, of which 79% were in standard accommodation and 21% were in Traveller-specific accommodation. I hope to shortly receive the findings of the 2023 annual estimates of accommodation of Traveller families. The preliminary results indicate there are 12,367 Traveller households in the State, or an increase of 1.5%.

To the Senator's point about the truth and accuracy of these figures, they have been compiled in conjunction with local authorities and other bodies. I am happy with the robustness of the data versus what is contained within previous census data. It gives a clearer, more on-the-ground reflection of where Traveller families and households are located and it feeds into the assessments of need carried out by local authorities, pointing to a general preference of what type of accommodation Travellers require, whether that is social housing, halting site bays or group housing schemes, and that is important. We hope to have the 2023 estimates shortly. As I said, we have the census 2022 information but it is important we continue to engage with Traveller households and organisations. I have previously met the Irish Traveller Movement and Bernard Joyce and I have also met the chair of the NTACC, Mr. Niall Crowley. This data is important to allow us to plan into the future.