A development in south Dublin in which Travellers were provided accommodation in group homes with access to health, education and training services should be replicated across the country, according to a Government-commissioned report on Travellers.
The report of the High-Level Group on Travellers, which examined ways of improving service delivery and outcomes, contains almost 60 recommendations across a number of sectors of Government activity.
It concluded that the pilot project at Kiltipper in south Dublin, which involved the development of five group homes, showed that integration of Traveller-specific housing with social and private housing could be achieved.
Personal plans were developed for each family which included pre-tenancy courses, meetings with gardaí and the establishment of a liaison committee with other representatives from the surrounding areas. This provided for a "very successful" transition from their old accommodation and for a higher take-up of essential services.
Overall, the report urged the establishment of a co-ordinated strategy for the delivery of services and supports for Travellers across the State.
Minister of State Frank Fahey, who presented the report to Cabinet last week, said it was clear that greater emphasis should be placed on implementation rather than on new policy directions.
"There is a need for a sustained effort from the State sector, together with Traveller organisations and other social partners, to achieve real improvements in the position of the Traveller community in Ireland," he said.
A pilot Garda youth diversion project aimed at young Travellers was recommended to help to identify the reasons why such projects were less effective with Travellers. Early intervention to lawlessness on Traveller sites to help prevent the emergence of "no-go areas" was also urged.
On employment, the report called on the Department of Finance to develop initiatives to assist Travellers in obtaining jobs in the public service within the next 12 months.
On education, the report noted that a number of external factors impacted on education standards, such as cultural issues, health, childcare and parental employment status.
