All-Ireland study planned to examine Travellers' health

An all-Ireland study is to be carried out into the health of 30,000 Travellers living on the island of Ireland.

The research, to begin in October, will focus on population statistics, health status and current access to health and social services.

The perceptions and attitudes of service providers towards Travellers and their health will also be examined.

Travellers are expected to help in gathering and collating the information.

A tender for the project was today issued by the Department of Health and Children in Dublin in conjunction with the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in the North.

The deadline for tenders for the Travellers All Ireland Health Study is August 8.

The last national study in 1987 found that Travellers had a lower rate of life expectancy, higher stillbirth and infant mortality rates and higher rates of illness for all causes of death.

“The study must use methodologies which are culturally appropriate and the research team will be aware of and respectful of Traveller values and beliefs,” tender documents stated.

“Travellers have a value system, language, customs and traditions that make them an identifiable group both to themselves and to others.

“Their distinctive lifestyle and culture, based on nomadic tradition, sets them apart from the general population.

“There are approximately 30,000 travellers in Ireland, north and south. Travellers’ health status has long been a cause of concern.”