Seanad debates
Wednesday, 26 March 2003
Health Services: Motion.
Actions to reduce inequalities include implementing a programme of actions to achieve the national anti-poverty strategy and health targets for the reduction of health inequalities – specifically, targets to reduce gaps in premature mortality between the highest and lowest socio-economic groups and between Travellers and the rest of the population. That is the reason we have devised, formulated and published a specific strategy for Travellers which we have funded accordingly. In talking about equity, we are getting to the core of the matter when dealing with lifespans of particular ethnic groups in society. They have a much lower lifespan than others and there is much inequality. We have decided to target these areas. In addition, there are provisions to eliminate barriers for disadvantaged groups, both in terms of making healthier choices easier and supporting them at community level to understand and access services. We also have specific programmes of action for groups such as Travellers, the homeless, drug misusers, prisoners, asylum seekers and refugees, all of whom have a real risk of poor health status.
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