Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

506. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding Traveller support and services provided by his Department in each county; the groups, agencies and voluntary bodies involved; the cost of same for each county for the past three years and to date in 2017; his plans to set up an advisory group to report on the minimum levels of support and services from his Department that should be available in each county to address the needs and the rights of Travellers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29701/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department does not provide support and services aimed solely at members of the Travelling Community.

The services provided by my Department are generally open to all, including members of the Travelling Community. For example one of the main objectives of the sports capital programme, operated by my Department is the prioritisation of disadvantaged groups and areas. All applicants are asked to specify how their proposed project will prioritise the needs of disadvantaged groups and people. This information is taken into account in assessing applications.

My Department supported the recently published National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021. While there are no specific actions identified for this Department within the strategy, there are several themes and objectives we will work towards. For example, the Department will provide training to ensure all staff understand our obligations under the section 42 (positive duty) in the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014.

There are currently no plans to set up an advisory group but the need to do so will be kept under review.