Written answers

Tuesday, 3 November 2020

Department of Children and Youth Affairs

Traveller Community

Photo of Louise O'ReillyLouise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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948. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the measures being taken to increase job opportunities for Travellers and ensure they are not discriminated against in accessing employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32672/20]

Photo of Roderic O'GormanRoderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The Government is committed to improving the quality of life of members of the Traveller and Roma communities. The Government's main tool to progress this goal is the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021.

This Strategy represents a whole-of-Government approach to bring about meaningful change and progress for the Traveller and Roma communities in Ireland. It is a living document that will be reviewed and adjusted as required. Traveller and Roma organisations were involved in its development and are members of the Committee monitoring its implementation which is chaired by me.

One of the thematic pillars contained in the Strategy covers the area of employment. The actions contained in this theme cover a cross-Departmental approach aiming to increase employment opportunities for members of the Traveller and Roma communities. The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) has developed a number of targeted initiatives to increase Traveller and Roma engagement with employment and training services. DEASP also continues to provide tailored supports for the long-term unemployed within the Traveller community and for young people to build their confidence and prepare them for the workplace.

In addition to the strategic framework, the Government provides significant amounts of funding to Traveller projects. In 2020, €3.8 million in funding was provided to support Traveller and Roma inclusion. An additional €1 million has also been granted for 2021, bringing the total to almost €5 million. This funding will be used to continue existing supports, as well as support new activities designed to counteract the impact of COVID-19 on Traveller and Roma communities.

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