New health strategy for Travellers welcomed

Health Minister  Stephen Donnelly speaking to Traveller Missie Collins from the Traveling Community at the launch of the first National Traveller Health Action Plan (NTHAP) 2022-2027. Picture: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

Traveller groups have welcomed the publication of the first National Traveller Health Action Plan, which aims to address the obstacles to accessing healthcare and tackle broader social issues which lead to poorer health outcomes, including through accommodation, education, and employment.

The new strategy unveiled by the Government covers a range of issues, from increasing the number of Travellers working in healthcare to mapping the Traveller population in community health networks for a more targeted response to particular health concerns.