Higher mortality rates for the young

THE Traveller community has higher birth rates, higher mortality rates for young people, and a lower life expectancy.

The Census also found that compared with the general population, Travellers tend to marry younger.

Nearly 19% of male Travellers aged between 15 and 24 years are married, compared to less than 1% of the general male population. Similarly, 24% of young Traveller women are married, compared to just 2% of the ‘settled’ community.

A question relating to membership of the Travelling community was included for the first time in the 2002 Census form. Almost 24,000 Travellers represent about 0.6% of the total population with Longford, Galway city and county along with Offaly having the highest proportions. Kildare, Cork county and Waterford county have the lowest number of Travellers. More than 8,000 Travellers live in the greater Dublin area.

The young Traveller population (up to 14 years) was 21% compared to 42% in the general population. Older members accounted for just 3.3% of the Traveller population compared to 11% within the general population.

Bríd O’Brien of Traveller’s group Pavee Point said the Census figures compared with estimates compiled by them. She believed, however, that some people did not identify themselves as Travellers in the Census due to the fear of discrimination and the concern of being within a minority grouping.

“Travellers now have a higher profile and, to a degree, enjoy improved services but we still have a long way to go to bridge the gap on access to many services, including health and education,” Ms O’Brien said. “In time, we will see greater life expectancy for Travellers but a lot has to change before we see similar comparisons with the general population. They are still two distinct communities.”