Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 225: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ensure that all Traveller groups are represented on all national decision making committees; and if he will give them the maximum support. [1307/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I refer the Deputy to the Report of the High Level Group on Traveller Issues which was published in March 2006 following approval by the Government. The recommendations contained in the Report represent the position of the Government. The details are available on my Department's website at www.justice.ie. The Report makes clear the extent to which Traveller groups are represented in the decision making process and how an integrated approach to service delivery should be achieved. A key recommendation of the Report is the development of an integrated approach to service delivery at local level using the structures of the City and County Development Boards (CDBs). Traveller Interagency Groups have since been established in each CDB area and the High Level Group Report specifies meaningful consultation with local Travellers as an essential element in developing the integrated approach.

Towards 2016 includes a commitment to give "concentrated attention" to achieving progress on Traveller issues based on an integrated approach to service delivery, and it is encouraging that all social partners have subscribed to this approach. I am therefore confident that Traveller Organisations are being included in appropriate national fora and that they will continue to make a valuable input to ongoing developments to support the Traveller Community.