Mr. Frank Fahey T.D, Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform, has announced the approval of funding in excess of 170,000 Euro for eight pilot projects in Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford, and Offaly.  The projects cover a range of initiatives (details below) which are focused and practical. Speaking following a visit to Cork, the Minister said "each project will target a specific need which has been identified and will improve the quality of life for members of the Traveller community".

The projects stem from an initiative, taken by Minister Fahey in July 2005 when he designated convenors, drawn from different organisations, to develop an Action Plan for the provision of services to the Traveller community in each area. The Minister envisages that the adoption of an inter-agency approach on the delivery of Traveller specific services at local level will yield better outcomes.

The Minister praised the convenors of the projects for their personal commitment to the task and for adopting an innovative and problem solving approach. He added that, "by designating convenors from different organisations, in each area, different perspectives were obtained". The Pilot Projects address a range of needs and issues for example in the areas of health, education/training, employment, community development, law and order and cultural diversity.

The Minister re-iterated that, "we must remember that the Traveller Community are one of the most disadvantaged groups in Ireland and have a range of special needs. The co-ordination of service delivery at local level and the engagement of local travellers are both essential elements of these projects". The Minister added "that now more than ever, with the new diversity all round us in Ireland we must go the extra mile for Travellers to actively support their social and economic inclusion".

 

30 January 2006