Two Irish health regions have been awarded a total of €500,000 in recurring funding to implement Brighter Beginnings, a new initiative under the HSE’s National Healthy Childhood Programme. The programme aims to reduce health disparities affecting Traveller children by improving early childhood health interventions through culturally inclusive practices.
The initiative, unveiled by Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, supports Goal 2 of the National Traveller Health Action Plan (2022–2027), which prioritises equitable access to healthcare for Traveller communities.
Selected Regions and Funding
The HSE Dublin and South East, and the HSE West and North West regions will each receive €250,000 annually to support local implementation of the programme. These regions were selected based on strong applications and demonstrated commitment to supporting marginalised communities through local Traveller Health Units.
The funding also supports objectives set out in the Child Poverty and Wellbeing Programme Plan (2023–2025) and aligns with national strategies including Sláintecare and the National Traveller Roma Inclusion Strategy II.
Addressing Barriers to Care
Traveller children continue to experience gaps in access to vital early health services such as vaccinations, developmental screenings, and antenatal care. Minister O’Connor stated (via Department of Health press release):
“Brighter Beginnings offers culturally appropriate solutions that support Traveller parents in engaging with services that are essential to their children’s well-being. This is about giving Traveller children a fairer, healthier start in life.”
Programme Details by Region
- In the West and North West, the initiative will operate across Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon. Led by the regional Traveller Health Unit, the programme will include:
- Appointment of a Clinical Nurse Manager
- Collaboration with Traveller Community Health Workers
- Focus areas: maternal and infant mental health, community health integration
- In the Dublin and South East region, the programme will span Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary South, Waterford, and Wexford. Led by the South East Traveller Health Unit (SETHU), the initiative will include:
- A comprehensive Traveller Child Health Needs Assessment
- Cultural awareness training for healthcare professionals
- Development of health literacy materials
- Pilot projects on weaning, breastfeeding, and antenatal supports
Building Long-Term Health Equity
Professor Ellen Crushell, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, emphasised that universal programmes such as the National Healthy Childhood Programme are essential for detecting early conditions and preventing future illness:
“All children have a right to this healthcare, but not everyone can access it. Through Brighter Beginnings, more children can benefit from the health supports that will set them up for a healthy future.”
Contextual Framework
The Brighter Beginnings initiative is grounded in a human rights-based approach to health, echoing principles enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. It aims to reduce structural barriers, promote multi-agency coordination, and support community-led health interventions.
🔎 Further Reading / References:
- National Traveller Health Action Plan 2022–2027
- Department of Health – Brighter Beginnings Announcement
- HSE National Healthy Childhood Programme
Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor Picture from Linkedin
