The Government has established a new committee to examine issues affecting the Traveller community.
The Minister of State with responsibility for equality, Frank Fahey, announced the National Traveller Monitoring and Advisory Committee (NTMAC) today.
Minister of State with responsibility for equality, Frank Fahey
It will comprise representatives of Government departments and other public bodies, Traveller organisations and a number of individual Traveller representatives, as well as other social partners.
Mr Fahey said: "There is now an opportunity to address some key underlying issues, including the whole area of Traveller/settled relationships.
"The NTMAC provides an important structure at national level to keep the focus of all the social partners on their commitment in Towards 2016to give concentrated attention to supporting Travellers."
Kevin Bonner will chair the committee and will make a report every two years on issues of ongoing concern, the Minister said.
Today's inaugural meeting of the committee was attended by the Taoiseach and Mr Fahey. Mr Ahern emphasised the Government's commitment to service delivery for Travellers and improving the range of life choices available to them.
A commitment was made in the latest partnership agreement Towards 2016to pursue "improved outcomes" for the Traveller community, including access to employment.