Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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661. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on improving the health of our traveller community [3022/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The All Ireland Traveller Health Study (AITHS) was carried out in 2007 and the findings were published in September 2010 with a follow up Birth Cohort Study published in September 2011. This was a comprehensive study of the health and social status of the Traveller community in Ireland and was carried out by the School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Science, University College Dublin on behalf of Travellers, with the direct involvement of Travellers. The findings of the Study provide a strong evidence base for assessing existing and future service delivery and allowed the identification of a range priorities and means of addressing these. The key findings of the study were that Travellers experienced higher levels of morbidity and mortality. Life expectancy for Travellers was over 11 years lower for women and over 15 years lower for men – the same as in 1987. Priority areas for action were identified, including mental health & suicide; men’s health; addiction/alcohol; domestic violence; diabetes and cardiovascular health. The forthcoming Health and Wellbeing Framework will put in place new structures which will focus on the cross sectoral social determinants of health and will incorporate actions relating to addressing health inequalities among marginalised groups such as Travellers.

Traveller Health Units (THUs) operate in each HSE area and work in partnership with local Traveller organisations. Peer led healthcare projects known as Primary Healthcare Projects play an invaluable role. They began in 1994 and now there are over 40 projects involving over 450 participants. In addition the HSE’s National Traveller Health Advisory Forum (NTHAF) is a governance body comprising THUs and Traveller representation as well as HSE personnel working together to address key priorities. These structures are accountable to the National Social Inclusion Governance Group in the Health Service Executive.

An amount of €10,546,230 was spent on Traveller health via Traveller Health Units during 2011. This amount excludes the costs of core/mainstream services accessed by members of the Travelling community e.g. GP services, foster care etc. Efforts have continued to ensure that funding for all vulnerable groups remains protected as far as possible. New initiatives in the form of health awareness programmes and health screening will be delivered via the Traveller Health Units/Primary Care Projects in each HSE region and will target those most at risk in the Traveller community.