Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing, and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, has announced €500,000 in recurring funding aimed at improving healthcare access for Traveller children. The funding will support new projects in two of Ireland’s six Health Service Executive (HSE) regions, under the Brighter Beginnings Pilot Project.
This initiative aligns with Ireland’s National Traveller Health Action Plan 2022-2027, aiming to reduce health inequalities among the Traveller community. The plan focuses on improving access to mainstream health services for Travellers, using a human rights-based approach.
Tackling Health Inequalities for Traveller Children
Minister Murnane O’Connor explained, “Every child has the right to timely access to quality healthcare that meets their specific needs. Traveller children often face exclusion from essential services, leading to poorer health outcomes. This funding will help address those barriers and ensure better health services, including newborn screenings, childhood vaccinations, and developmental checks.”
The pilot projects will run for three years and will provide culturally safe, inclusive healthcare for Traveller families. It is hoped that successful initiatives will be expanded to other health regions in Ireland following evaluation.
Supporting Health Equity for Marginalised Communities
Aisling Heffernan, Integrated Healthcare Area Manager at HSE Dublin South and Wicklow, stressed the importance of the funding, noting that Traveller children experience significantly higher health risks compared to the general population, with infant mortality rates three and a half times higher. The Brighter Beginnings initiative is a collaboration between the Department of Health, the HSE, and Traveller Primary Healthcare Projects.
The funding complements Ireland’s broader goals under the Child Poverty and Wellbeing Programme and aligns with Sláintecare and the National Traveller Roma Inclusion Strategy II, underscoring the importance of inclusive health systems.
Call for Applications and Future Prospects
Applications for the funding will be accepted until 27 March 2025. For more information, interested parties can contact Michelle Kearns at the HSE National Social Inclusion Office.
This funding marks a significant step in addressing health disparities for Traveller children, with a vision for long-term, inclusive healthcare that supports the most vulnerable populations in Ireland.
