Irish Travellers Movement

Introduction

Introduction

Ireland has experienced many years of economic growth, being the second richest state within the European Union after Luxembourg. A number of legislative changes have being implemented, some with a positive impact on Travellers' lives, others clearly negative. An array of institutional arrangements has been put in place over the last decade, both Traveller specific and mainstream, which have the potential to significantly improve the situation of Travellers in Ireland.  Yet these arrangement are too frequently marred by a lack of political will and the necessary "teeth" to deliver the required outcomes.

Consequently the benefits to Travellers affected by poverty and social exclusion have been relatively small.   In reality improvements have been slow and in some areas the situation for Travellers has actually deteriorated.

Sustaining Progress, the National Partnership Agreement 2003 - 2005 promised

"the continued targeting of resources and prioritisation of commitments at those most in need, sustaining social protection and inclusion expenditure at a level that addresses the key social deficits by continuing to protect and enhance the living standards of the disadvantaged and improving the delivery of social cohesion objectives" (3.2.2.),

To achieve this, resources must be ring fenced and directed towards Travellers and other communities suffering poverty and social exclusion. Otherwise the gap between Travellers and other marginalised communities and the rest of society will continue to widen.

The Plan needs to set ambitious targets and a clear implementation strategy to deliver the recommendations of the Report of the Task Force on the Travelling Community, 1995 and meet the needs of all marginalised communities.