Ms Carol Baxter:

On the Traveller internship programme, applications are to be in by 26 September, so it is live at the moment. The idea is that over time it can expand, develop and get to sufficient critical mass that a range of Travellers can participate. A totla of 12 Departments are participating in this programme, which is great. Hopefully we will know shortly, but the initial indications are that there has been quite a level of interest which is great. We salute our colleagues in the Department of justice. They have worked assiduously on this in getting interest across a range of Departments. As the Senator said, heritage is really important. That is again an area where our Department feels we can support the work. There has also been interesting work done within the universities in terms of Traveller history and putting the spotlight on developing a greater understanding of Traveller history. Again, that is an area we think is important.

I come to the whole area of cultural competency and the Equal Start programme. For instance, we plan to have diversity and equality experts specifically supporting the programme and supporting providers. We understand that contract has just been signed.