New Funding Of 600,000 Euro For Traveller Projects

A total of €600,000 has been allocated to projects in fifteen areas of the country. Projects supported under the current round of funding will address issues such as access to employment, local service improvements, local Traveller representation, early education and horse care.

The funding will support projects which respond to local needs in line with the Report of the High Level Group on Traveller Issues.

An essential element in each project is the involvement of local Traveller representatives.

The Minister said "This funding is an illustration of the Government's ongoing commitment to supporting better outcomes for Travellers. 

"More important than the actual funding is the commitment to collaborative effort which forms the basis of all of these projects.

"This approach is at the core of the Government's strategy to improve the delivery of services and supports for Travellers."

The Minister also pointed to the increasing Traveller participation in economic and social life when he said, "It is significant that all social partners have agreed to support an integrated approach for Travellers.

"This emphasises the need for effective leadership from the agencies represented on City and County Development Boards who have particular responsibilities for delivering key services locally.

"Equally, there is an onus on Traveller representatives and other stakeholders to support a broad range of actions to enhance the position of the Traveller Community in our society, including effective law enforcement."