Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I share Deputy Coppinger's concerns over these issues. I have shared them for a number of years. I wish to make a couple of points on what the Deputy said. I am glad she put her remarks on the public record. I hope this will encourage our Minister specifically responsible for what we are now speaking about to be motivated to ensure, or find ways to ensure, there is a drawdown.

The Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness provides for the commissioning by the Housing Agency of an expert independent review of Traveller accommodation expenditure and the delivery of units, having regard to the targets contained in the local authority Traveller accommodation programme. That review has commenced and is due to be completed in the second quarter of 2017. The review will provide factual information and will be a key platform for the special working group to progress its work effectively, as committed to in the programme for Government. That working group will be established as soon as possible after the completion of the review.

The other point raised concerned the conditions for Traveller children, particularly regarding the accommodation issues we are speaking about. It is in this regard that my Department will have more responsibility. Things are going on in that regard.

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