Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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120. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Traveller men have a life expectancy 15 years lower than the general population; the steps he will take to address this discrepancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47498/18]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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121. To ask the Minister for Health the reason the national Traveller health advisory committee has not been convened since 2012; if this committee will be reconvened without delay in order to address Traveller-specific health issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47499/18]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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122. To ask the Minister for Health the details of the funding provided for the Traveller health budget in each of the past ten years; and if the investment in this budget for 2019 will be increased. [47500/18]

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 120 to 122, inclusive, together.

Health and wellbeing are not evenly distributed across society. There are socially excluded groups who experience extreme health inequalities. Such groups include Travellers homeless people, refugees and asylum seekers and people with addiction issues. Inequalities in health are reflected in the mortality and morbidity rates of the population. Rates of chronic diseases are another indicator of health inequalities. A social gradient is also apparent in mental health. Reducing health inequalities can delivery real benefits for society and for future generations. It requires interventions to address the social determinants of health and to provide integrated and comprehensive healthcare services.

The health needs of Travellers' are documented in the landmark All Ireland Traveller Health Study, published in 2010 and funded by the Department of Health.

The Department of Health, through the HSE, provides funding in the region of €10m per annum for programmes to improve the health situation for Traveller communities. These include:

- primary healthcare projects, counselling services, family support programmes and men's health projects; dedicated public health nurses and related staff;

- mental health promotion and suicide prevention services in a culturally sensitive manner, to reduce the stigma associated with mental health.

A further €500,000 funding is provided through the Dormant Accounts Fund for initiatives aimed at improving Traveller mental health.

The Department recently convened a workshop on Traveller health needs. This involved representation from various policy units in the Department of Health, Community Healthcare Organisations within the HSE and Traveller organisations.

As Minister with responsibility for health promotion and social inclusion, I am very aware of the health inequalities experienced by Travellers. Significant measures have been undertaken across the health service to address these inequalities and there is ongoing and extensive engagement with Traveller organisations. I am committed to providing funding to address the acute health needs of Travellers, within the budgetary resources available.