Deprived Travellers - Tailor-made training courses vital

Half a century ago, this country had one of the highest infant mortality rates in the civilised world. This year our rate was as much as 10 times lower than that of the United States, one of the most affluent countries. This was graphic example of what can be done, if the Government is determined to address a problem.

For too long there has been no real effort to address the problems of Travellers, and this is an indictment, not just of the Government, but also of our whole society.

People do not want Travellers in their neighbourhoods or schools, or bars. Many consider the Travellers anti-social, but the reality is that society as a whole excludes Travellers and the anti-social behaviour of some of them is therefore understandable.