Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 8 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 3

Written Answers. - Travellers' Health Needs.

Chris Flood

Ceist:

15 Mr. Flood asked the Minister for Health if he intends to make special provisions available to meet the health needs of the travelling community in view of their nomadic way of life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2725/96]

Peadar Clohessy

Ceist:

39 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Health the steps, if any, being taken to implement the recommendations of The Report of the Task Force on the Travelling Community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2732/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 39 together.

The Report of the Task Force on the Travelling Community contains a wide range of recommendations for the provision of services, including health services, to the travelling community.

In authorising publication of the report of the task force, the Government decided that the Minister for Equality and Law Reform should convene a group of officials to consider the implementation of the report and to report back to Government. I understand that the Minister for Equality and Law Reform will submit this report to the Government in the immediate future.

In the meantime a group of officials within my own Department is examining the implementation of the recommendations of the task force in relation to travellers' health in consultation with the health boards. Initiatives which seek to improve access to mainstream health care services for travellers will have priority. The community health worker scheme developed by the Eastern Health Board is the kind of initiative I have in mind.

As indicated in the health strategy— Shaping a Healthier Future—it is my intention to publish a policy statement on travellers' health which will take account of the recommendations of the task force and build on successful initiatives already in place.