Press Release December 2005
Launch of Second Implementation Report on the Task Force on Travellers
13th December 2005.
The Second Implementation Report on the Task Force on Travellers was launched this morning by Minister Frank Fahey.
"We are delighted that this Report has finally been published however we remain concerned at the slow rate of progress in the implementation of government policy on Travellers" said Ms. Ronnie Fay Director of Pavee Point Travellers Centre in responding to the publication of the Report. "We are particularly concerned that the Monitoring Committee has also been disbanded. It is imperative that we have enhanced representation of Travellers and Traveller organisations in any new structure that emerges to replace the Monitoring Committee" she continued.
The Monitoring Report highlights the lack of implementation of Task Force recommendations and states that 'The bottom line is that despite the allocation of considerable financial and staff resources and some progress being achieved, Travellers continue to have lower life expectancy, lower educational qualifications and, in many cases, unacceptable accommodation.' (p. 6)
It also states that 'One of the key challenges facing Travellers is the absence of their participation in civil society and leadership within the wider community....Political leadership, particularly at local level is needed to convey a more positive attitude towards the Traveller community and improve relationships between the Traveller and settled communities.' (p. 8)
In expressing concern at the disbanding of the Monitoring Committee, Martin Collins, Assistant Director Pavee Point, said "Travellers need to be at the tables where decisions that affect our lives are being made. I accept in good faith the commitment made by Minister Fahey this morning that the government intention is to give Traveller organisations a future and on going role in both policy development and implementation in whatever new structures emerge. I particularly want to commend the political leadership that Minister Fahey and the Taoiseach have shown towards our community over the past year."
For further information please contact Ronnie Fay 01 8780255
Issued by Pavee Point Travellers' Centre, 46 North Great Charles Street, Dublin 1.