Launch of All Ireland Traveller Health Study Report

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) together with the Department of Health and Children (DOHC) has today launched the All Ireland Traveller Health Study report.

The study examined the health status and health needs of all Travellers living in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. In Northern Ireland, the study was assisted by a traveller support group, An Munia Tober.

Speaking at the launch of the report in Dublin, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Liz Mitchell said: "The publication of this report is a milestone. The challenge now for policy makers will be to examine the findings and the key points highlighted in the study. Along with our partners, in particular the Public Health Agency, we will identify actions to take forward the work needed to address the issues raised.

"The Traveller community has been recognised as a disadvantaged group and the findings of this study provide a framework to work upon to ensure that Travellers have good access to healthcare services to meet their needs."

The Summary of Findings highlights a number of key points which the DHSSPS and DOHC will consider and take forward appropriately in conjunction with Health and Social Care bodies and other government departments.

Some of the key points include:

• A strategic action plan should be developed
• Adequacy of accommodation is essential
• All aspects of mother and child services merit top priority
• Men’s health issues need to be addressed specifically
• There is a concerted need to address cause-specific issues for respiratory and cardiovascular disease

The complete summary of findings can be accessed online

Notes to editors:

1. The study commissioned by DOHC was formally launched in Dublin July 2007. The DHSSPS and DOHC managed the conduct of the study in their respective jurisdictions.

2. University College Dublin (UCD) carried out the study. Members of the Traveller community were trained by UCD to undertake the fieldwork within the Traveller community. This use of peer researchers within the traveller community was a very significant aspect of the study and makes it unique in that the study is for, by and with Travellers.

3. In Northern Ireland, An Munia Tober, a traveller support group, assisted the study to build capacity within the traveller community and to recruit and train peer researchers who would undertake the fieldwork. The use of peer researchers within the traveller community was a very significant aspect of the study and makes it unique in that the study is for, by and with Travellers. Formal ethical approval to conduct various aspects of the study was obtained separately in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland.

4. The DHSSPS and DOHC, in conjunction with travellers’ support organisations in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and, respectively, colleagues in the Health and Social Care Trusts and the Health Service Executive developed a project support infrastructure for the conduct of the study.

5. Media queries to DHSSPS Information Office on 028 9052 0074, or out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be immediately returned.