Consultation process on Traveller and Roma inclusion announced

Minister seeking submissions on anti-discrimination, anti-racism, cultural identity

A national consultation process into Traveller and Roma inclusion is scheduled to take place this year with a view to implementing a revised National Inclusion Strategy, the Minister of State for Equality has announced.

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin announced on Saturday the details of a new consultation process which will allow people to make submissions for initiative on matters such as anti-discrimination and anti-racism, cultural identity, accommodation, health, employment and political participation.

Mr Ó Ríordáin said the new strategy aims to ensure genuine consultation mechanisms are in place for both the Traveller and Roma communities and will work towards bridging the gaps between the two groups and the wider settled community.

“With that in mind I approved a series of proposals including the establishment of a Steering Group to oversee the development and implementation of Ireland’s National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy,” he said.

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“I am strongly of the view that the time is right to develop a revised strategy to improve outcomes for the Traveller and Roma communities and I look forward to hearing the views of all interested parties.”

The revised National Strategy is set to run from 2016-2020 and is due to be in place in early 2016.

The Minister of State is calling on interested parties to get in touch with submissions for the revised strategy.

More details are available at www.travellerinclusion.ie and the closing date for submissions is Friday, July 3rd.

Sorcha Pollak

Sorcha Pollak

Sorcha Pollak is an Irish Times reporter and cohost of the In the News podcast