Galway County Development Board

County Galway Traveller Interagency Group (TIG)

Traveller Interagency Strategy

2010 - 2013

Working together to Improve the delivery of services to the Traveller Community

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Working together to Improve the Delivery of Services to the Traveller Community

Queries in relation to this strategy or the Group can be forwarded to: Valerie Kavanagh, Facilitator, County Galway Traveller Interagency Group, Social Inclusion Unit, Galway County Council, Prospect Hill, Galway. Email: vkavanagh@galwaycoco.ie Tel: 091 476512

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Acknowledgements Galway County Council, on behalf of Galway County Development Board, would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank all those that invested considerable time, energy and effort into developing this strategy. In particular, thanks to our Chairperson, Orla McCaffrey from Galway Traveller Movement, Loughrea Office, for her dedication and enthusiasm to this piece of this work. A special thanks to the Travellers who took participated in the Traveller Interagency Group, sub-groups and broader consultation. Your input is vital to the development of the strategy Also a big thank you to all of the agencies, organisations and individual members of the Traveller Interagency Group, sub-groups and those who took part in the consultation process. You all gave considerable time, energy and support to the development of the strategy. List of all those who participated Orla McCaffrey Galway Traveller Movement Frank Kelly FÁS Valerie Kavanagh Galway County Council Mary Syron HSE Martina Forde Na Calaí CDP Joe Broder FÁS Donna Gleeson Galway Rural Development Imelda Byrne NUI Galway Mike O’Dwyer An Garda Siochána Liz Loftus National Association of Traveller Centres Kieran Coyne Galway County Council Eleanor Clancy National Association of Traveller Centres Pam Mahoney Galway Traveller Movement Mrs. Mary Ward, GTM Primary Health Project, Loughrea Mary Ward, GTM Primary Health Project, Loughrea Teresa Donohue GTM Primary Health Project, Loughrea Geraldine D. Ward GTM Primary Health Project, Loughrea Geraldine Harty GTM Primary Health Project, Loughrea Kathleen Ward GTM Primary Health Project, Loughrea Jane Ward GTM Primary Health Project, Loughrea Helen Ward GTM Primary Health Project, Loughrea Monica Delaney Dept. of Education & Science David Collins Western Traveller & Intercultural Development Orla Irwin Western Region Drugs Taskforce Owen Ward Western Traveller & Intercultural Development Mary Forde Galway County Council Conor Madden An Garda Siochána Mary Giblin Galway City & County Childcare Committee Jimmy Glynn Dept. of Social Protection Ellen O’ Loughlin GTM Primary Health Project, Loughrea, Winnie Mongan GTM Primary Health Project, Loughrea Catherine Cooney County Galway VEC Donato Freitas Aonad Family Resource Centre Eddie Mongan Aonad Resource Centre Mary T. Ward, GTM Primary Health Project, Loughrea Mary Foxton Na Calaí CDP Michael McDonagh Aonad Resource Centre Caitriona McQuillan Galway County Council Fiona Stewart Galway Rural Development Maria Brennan Health Coordinator, Galway Traveller Movemnet Siobhán Noctor Aonad Family Resource Centre Ellen Mongan Galway County Council

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Foreword By Orla McCaffrey, Chairperson, County Galway Traveller Interagency Group

As Chairperson of the County Galway Traveller Interagency group, I wish to acknowledge and

celebrate the completion of the Traveller Interagency Strategy 2010 - 2013. I wish to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of all those who took part in developing the strategy, through being involved in the Traveller Interagency Group itself, the sub-groups and by taking part in consultation

throughout the county. I particularly want to thank Travellers across County Galway who engaged with the development of this strategy in all of these areas. Also to Valerie Kavanagh Galway County Council for her great work in facilitating the development of the Strategy.

Travellers are acknowledged in many reports as one of the most marginalised groups in Irish society. Many Travellers fare poorly on all indicators used to measure disadvantage, such as

health status, educational attainment, poverty, unemployment, social exclusion and face inequality in their everyday lives. The recently published “All Ireland Traveller Health Study Our Geels” 2010 highlights that Traveller men now live an average of 15 years less than the general male

population, while Traveller women can expect to live 11 years less than the general female population. Traveller male suicide rates are almost 7 times those of the general population. Infant mortality rates for Travellers are 3.5 times the rate of the general population.

The report also acknowledges that Social determinants, such as education, accommodation, unemployment, discrimination, lifestyle and access/utilisation of services are the main causes of

the poor health status of Travellers. With this in mind, it is clear that an integrated cross-sectoral partnership approach is the most effective method towards addressing these issues and central within this is Traveller participation.

The team of people involved in developing this strategy worked to ensure Traveller participation and that the actions are relevant to Travellers in the County. This strategy will enable us to work

towards addressing inequality experienced by Travellers. It will develop stronger relationships between Travellers and agencies and key to its success is the participation and support of these agencies, as well as Travellers.

I believe there is a strong commitment and enthusiasm for this process and to achieving the actions set out in the strategy. I wish it every success and look forward to working with all of the

individuals and agencies involved over the next 3 years to ensure that Travellers in County Galway experience real results from this process.

Orla McCaffrey September 2010

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Table of Contents Page 1. Background 6 2. Introduction 8 3. Profile of the Traveller Community in County Galway 9

4. Development of Traveller Interagency Strategy 14 5. Agencies Represented on Traveller Interagency Group 16 6. Action Plan 23

Accommodation Actions 26 Education & Training Actions 28 Enterprise & Employment Actions 30

Health Actions 31 7. Implementation, Monitoring and Review 35 Appendix 1 Traveller Interagency Group Membership 36 Appendix 2 Consultation Guidelines 38 Appendix 3 Consultation Report 47

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1. Background The Task Force on the Travelling Community was set up by the Government in 1993. It published the Report of the Task Force on the Travelling Community in 1995. This report contained 341 recommendations on accommodation, health, education and training, employment and

development of a Traveller economy, relationships with the wider community, culture, discrimination, role of Traveller women, and the need for coordination and monitoring of progress.

In 1998, the Committee to Monitor and Coordinate the Implementation of the Recommendations of the Task Force on the Travelling Community was established. It was chaired by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform with membership from representatives from the Social Partners,

Traveller organisations and relevant Government departments. The Committee’s first progress report, published in December 2000, outlined the main positive developments that had taken place with regard to equality, awareness and information, accommodation, health, education and

community development. However, concerns were expressed, particularly in relation to real improvements on the ground and more specifically, issues such as the absence of good quality data on the numbers of Travellers availing of services, the difficulty in translating policy into action,

developing the Traveller economy and the gender dimension of policies affecting Travellers. In December 2003, at the request of the Taoiseach, a further initiative to increase the focus on

Traveller issues was introduced in the form of a High Level Group on Traveller Issues, established under the aegis of the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion. Its remit was to ensure that the relevant statutory agencies involved in providing the full range of services to Travellers, would

focus on improving the integrated practical delivery of such services. The main items discussed by the Group included an interagency approach to delivery of service, Traveller accommodation, social economy, Traveller education, Travellers and employment opportunities and barriers for

Travellers accessing paid employment, as well as pilot projects to address these issues. An interim report was presented to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion in October 2004.

The report highlighted certain themes which, in the view of the High Level Group required further consideration. It recommended concrete actions in the short-term and proposed a structure for the coordination of the development and implementation of policy and services to Travellers at national

level. In 2005 the Minister of State in Department of Justice, Equality and Law reform (DJELR) requested 8 pilot Traveller Interagency Groups be established across the country. County Galway was selected to be one of these pilots.

The High Level Group published its second report in March 2006, and one of its key recommendations was “to promote a coordinated interagency approach to the delivery of services

and supports for Travellers. It recommended that each city and county draw up Integrated Strategic Plans for service delivery to Travellers.

In April 2006, a Circular was issued to the Manager of each Local Authority outlining the work of the High Level Group in finding ways of securing better outcomes for Travellers. The Taoiseach had also written to Ministers with a specific request to communicate the importance of

implementing the Reports’ recommendations to relevant agencies. The Government had endorsed

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the recommendation of the High Level Group concerning the development of strategic plans at

county and city level to implement a coordinated interagency approach. The County and City Development Boards (CDBs) had been identified as the appropriate structures to facilitate the development of these plans and to oversee their implementation. Specific attention was drawn to

the need for all agencies to give their full commitment and the need for meaningful consultation with local Travellers in developing and implementing county and city plans. A six-month deadline was imposed on CDBs in order to undertake the consultation process and develop the strategy. All

interagency plans were also subject to CDB endorsement. The Report of the High Level Group has influenced Government policy on the role of State bodies

in delivering services and supports to the Traveller Community.

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2. Introduction The County Galway Traveller Interagency Group was established in September 2005 at the request of the Minister of State in Department of Justice, Equality and Law reform (DJELR). It was

to be one of 8 pilot Groups established across the Country. Various agencies and Traveller representatives were invited to the inaugural meeting. Four sub

groups were established in the thematic areas of Health, Education, Accommodation and Employment.

A Traveller Interagency Strategy was agreed and forwarded to Galway County Development Board for adoption in April 2007. This contained a number of actions to improve the quality of life and integrated delivery of services for Travellers.

Agencies gave varying levels of commitment and despite initial enthusiasm after establishment in September 2005, membership declined. Funding was secured and some initiatives carried out

under the TIG plan were implemented. The Group however stopped meeting in 2008. The County Development Board included in their priority actions for the period 2009 – 2012 to re-

establish the Traveller Interagency Group and prepare a new strategy. The Group was re-established in 2009 under the new facilitation of the Community, Enterprise & Economic Development Unit of Galway County Council. New members were invited to join and its first

meeting of 2009 took place on 6th October 2009. At this meeting, membership of the Group and a Terms of Reference for the Group was discussed.

The development of a strategy and how it would be developed was also discussed and it was agreed that a new 3 year strategy would be drafted and this would guide the work of the Group.

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3. Profile of the Traveller Community in County Galway 3.1. Population 2009 Galway County Council Annual Count of Travellers

• There were 544 Traveller families in County Galway in November 2009. This is an increase of 9.7% on the 2008 number of 496.

The All Ireland Traveller Health Study 2010 estimates the total Traveller population in Republic

of Ireland is 36,224 Travellers.

Census 2006 Results

• In 2006, there were 1,908 members of the Irish Traveller Community living in County Galway.

48.8% of these were male and 51.2% were female. • This is 1.2% of the usually resident population which is more than double the State average of

0.5%.

• Of all local authority areas in the country, County Galway had the highest proportion of Travellers.

• The largest concentrations of where Travellers lived were in Ballinasloe, Tuam, Ballygar,

Loughrea and Athenry. Map 3.1: % Total Traveller Population by Electoral District in County Galway, Census 2006

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3.2. Age Profile

Census 2006 Results

• Proportionally the Irish Traveller population is younger than the settled community. • 41% of Irish Travellers are aged 0 – 14 years compared to 21% of the Irish Settled

community.

• 20% of Irish Travellers are aged 15 - 24 years compared to 15% of the Irish Settled community.

• 25% of Irish Travellers are aged 25 - 44 years compared to 30% of the Irish Settled

community. • 10% of Irish Travellers are aged 45 - 64 years compared to 23% of the Irish Settled

community.

• 3% of Irish Travellers are aged 65 years and over compared to 12% of the Irish Settled community.

All Ireland Traveller Health Study 2010

• Only 8 Travellers on the Island of Ireland are over the age of 85

3.3. Accommodation

Galway County Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2009 – 2013

• Under the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act, 1998, Housing Authorities are required to prepare and adopt a Traveller Accomodation Programme every 5 years.

• The current plan estimates that 225 households will have a housing need over the period of the Programme. It sets a target to house 105 of these families over the period of the Programme.

• It also states that in the previous Traveller Accommodation Programme for 2005 – 2008, 113 families were housed which exceeded the target of housing 128 families.

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Table 3.1: Breakdown of Accommodation Type, 2009 Galway County Council Annual

Count of Travellers

Type Number %

Total Families 544 100

Standard LA Letting 256 47

Purchased Houses 69 12.7

Group Houses 52 9.5

Private Rented SWA 93 17

Private Rented RAS 15 0.03

Private Rented Own Resources 4 0.007

Voluntary Housing 7 0.01

Sharing 12 0.02

Serviced Permanent halting Sites 9 0.02

Serviced basic bays pending permanent Accommodation 6 0.01

Unauthorised Sites on roadside no basic services 5 0.009

Unauthorised sites in private yards with basic services 11 0.02

Other unauthorised sites with no basic services 4 0.007

The Galway County Council 2008 Assessment of Housing Needs for County Galway

• This assessment is carried out every 3 years by Housing Authorities.

• In March 2008, 1,077 persons were assessed in need of housing. This is an increase of nearly 22% from the 2005 figure of 883 persons.

• There were 81 traveller families assessed in need of housing in March 2008. This has

increased to 132 families in February 2010 (62% increase)

3.4. Family Status

Census 2006 Results

• Overall in the state, 37% of the Irish settled community are married compared to 29% of the Traveller community

• Travellers are more likely to marry younger than the settled community.

• 24% of Travellers aged 15 – 24 years are married compared to 0.006% of the Irish Settled community.

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• 63% of Travellers aged 25 - 44 years are married compared to 48% of the Irish Settled

community. • 71% of Travellers aged 45 - 64 years are married compared to 73% of the Irish Settled

community.

• 47% of Travellers aged 65 years and over are married compared to 50% of the Irish Settled community.

3.5. Health “Our Geels” All Ireland Traveller Health Study 2010 • In 1987 Traveller males life expectancy was 61.7 years, 10 years less than the general male

population of 71.6 years. The gap had widened even further in 2008 when Traveller males

life expectancy was 61.7 years, 15 years less than the general male population at 76.8 years.

• In 1987 Traveller female’s life expectancy was 65.3 years compared to the general female

population of 77.2 years, a gap of 11.9 years. In 2008 Traveller female life expectancy improved to 70.1 years, though still 11.5 years less than the general female population at 81.6 years.

• Suicide rates for Traveller men are 6.6 times that of general population, with suicide rates in the Traveller community accounting for approximately 11% of all Traveller deaths.

• Traveller men have four times the mortality rate of the general population

• Traveller women have three times the mortality rate of the general population

• The infant mortality rate for Travellers is 3.5 times the rate of the general population (4 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in national population compared to 14 infant deaths per 1,000 in

the Traveller population) • Over 52% of Travellers aged 40-60 interviewed had been diagnosed with high blood

pressure in the last year, compared to 35% of general population

• Over 42% of Travellers diagnosed with high cholesterol in the last year compared to 30% of general population

• 25% of Traveller women had availed of breast screening compared to 13% of general

population

• 23% of Traveller women had smear test compared to 12% of general population

3.6. Education & Training

Census 2006 Results

• 52% of Irish Travellers over the age of 15 have completed their education with only a primary

level education compared with 17% of the settled community. • 12% of Irish Travellers over the age of 15 have completed their education with a lower

secondary level education (Junior Certificate) compared with 18% of the settled community.

• 3% of Travellers over the age of 15 have completed their education with an upper secondary level education (Leaving Certificate) compared with 24% of the settled community.

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3.7. Employment & Enterprise Census 2006

• 92% of the Irish labour force of the settled community were at work compared to 25% of the Traveller community.

• The labour force is the total number of persons at work, looking for their first job or unemployed having lost or given up previous job.

Table 3.2: Travellers at work as a percentage of the Traveller Labour Force by age,

Census 2006 Results

Age Group % of Labour

force at work

15 - 24 19%

25 - 34 24%

35 - 44 31%

45 - 54 34%

55 - 64 33%

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4. Development of Traveller Interagency Strategy TIG Meeting 1st December 2009

Some initial discussion regarding the drafting of the strategy took place at this meeting. Circular LG

24/09 had been issued by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to all City & County Managers. The circular highlighted that commitment among Traveller Interagency Groups around the Country varied and stated some specific areas of concern to the development

and delivery of a Strategy. It also stated that the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform intends to ask all City & County Development Boards to review their Traveller Interagency Plans highlighting a number of key actions by June 2010. The issue of this circular was timely as the

Group were about to embark on developing a new strategy. TIG Meeting 28th January 2010

Owen McCarthy from Pobal who has vast experience of working with Traveller Interagency Groups, attended the meeting to share his knowledge and advice on Traveller Interagency Strategies. He highlighted good practice in developing strategies and stated that strategies are

usually drafted by theme but a local element to actions is important to keep them practical and achievable. He stated the importance of consultation and Traveller input into the development of the strategy and that the needs of Travellers will vary in different areas of the County. He said that

it’s common for sub groups to be set up to decide on actions per theme and monitor the strategy. Traveller Interagency Groups should also look at what services and supports were already available and how an interagency approach could improve these. He recommended actions to be

kept practical and achievable focusing on 10 – 12 priority actions. He also highlighted an important element to the strategy will be to monitor and oversee the delivery of the actions. TIG Meeting 2nd March 2010

It had been agreed by the group that this meeting would be a workshop style meeting where the Group would break up into subgroups to discuss possible actions. To broaden the input to the

subgroups other interested parties were invited to attend including extra Traveller representation. Following lengthy discussion by the larger group the following areas were identified as being a key

priority for Travellers in County Galway. It was agreed to have accommodation, health, education & Training and Employment & Enterprise as themes in the Strategy and a sub-group for each.

Traveller culture was also identified as a priority and was to be included as part of each theme. Membership of each subgroup was agreed. Each group started discussion about the priority areas and actions in their theme and fed back to the larger group. This feedback was then coordinated

by the facilitator of the Group. The need for consultation with Travellers and other interested parties was also discussed It was

agreed that the best way for this to happen was for members of the Group to use their contacts for consultation. A list of Groups who should be consulted and who would consult with them was drawn up including Traveller women, men, young Travellers, Travellers in education, health

services, other agencies etc. See appendix 2 for a full list of groups and who carried out consultation.

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TIG Meeting 22nd April 2010

A letter had been received from the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform stating that Traveller Interagency Strategies should be reviewed by 30th September 2010. It said that actions

should be prioritised and interagency based and suggested focusing on 10 key areas, but recognising that each county has its own needs and priorities.

Galway Rural Development notified the Group that they had included supporting the County Galway Traveller Interagency Group in their plan for the new Local Community Development Project which had been sent to the Department for approval. If the plan was to be approved it was

possible that projects to the value of €12,000 could be supported in 2010.

Four strategic areas were identified:

1. Addressing early school leaving. 2. Capacity building and up-skilling in County Galway for Travellers 3. Providing better information to Travellers especially around health, education and training,

employment and accommodation. 4. Supporting cultural awareness

The Group broke up into sub groups again to discuss actions further. The Group were given guidelines on consultation and consultation templates (see appendix 2) to use when consulting

with groups. They were given a 5 week period to consult and all submissions were to be returned to the facilitator of the Group by 28th May 2010 where they would be coordinated centrally.

TIG Meeting 9th June 2010

The draft strategy, including a report on the consultation submissions (see appendix 3) was given

to the Group. Thirteen submissions had been received in total and they were divided into the agreed themes. The Group broke up into subgroups again to consider the submissions in the context of the draft actions. Sub-groups then fed back to the main group and the facilitator co-

ordinated these actions. TIG Meeting 8th July 2010

The Group were notified that Galway Rural Development’s plan for their Local Community Development Project had been approved in principle and applications from the Interagency Group for funding could be accepted. A total of €12,000 could be allocated for 2010.

Revised draft strategies were given to the Group based on discussion that had happened at the previous workshop on 9th June. The Group broke up into the 4 sub groups again to discuss their

actions. The sub groups submitted their actions to the facilitator to amend the draft strategy based on their discussions. The facilitator then coordinated all amendments.

TIG Meeting 15th September 2010

The Group broke up into sub groups again during this meeting to discuss and finalise their actions. These were then fed back to the wider Group where some amendments were made based on suggestions. The actions within the strategy were agreed by the whole Group.

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5. Agencies Represented on Traveller Interagency Group All service providers provide services and supports to Travellers in County Galway. However there have been a number of agencies that have been established throughout the years to specifically

provide extra supports to Travellers where it was felt needed. Other agencies have placed an emphasis on providing extra supports for Travellers mainly because there is a traveller population within the area that they serve. The agencies that are members of the Traveller Interagency Group

are described below. This is not a comprehensive list of agencies that provide services to Travellers.

The National Association of Travellers' Centres (NATC)

NATC is a membership organisation, representing Centers of Education and Training (CET) and Youth Work Projects nationally. See VEC details below for Centres of Education and Training details.

Youth Service (Galway Projects)

NATC is the largest provider of Youth Services to young Travellers in Ireland working with 5 to 25

year olds with a particular emphasis on the 12 to 18 years old age group. Ballinasloe Youth Project Harbour View, Ballinasloe

Contact: Patricia Cawley or April Mc Grath Email: Triciacawley1@yahoo.co.uk

Loughrea Youth Project, King Street, Loughrea Contact: Youth Workers: Teresa B Ward, PJ Hanlon Email: TeresaBWard@hotmail.com

Tuam Project (Western Traveller & Intercultural Development) Bru Bhride, Church View, Tuam Contact: Youth Worker: Martin Ward 093 25244

Email: martin.westtrav@gmail.com

NATC Headquarters Contact Details

The National Association of Travellers’ Centres (NATC) Unit 1 Nestor’s Complex, Monksland Retail Pk, Athlone, Co Roscommon Tel: 0906 498017

Galway Traveller Movement Galway Traveller Movement is a community organisation made up of people from the Traveller and settled communities and works from Community Development principles and methods with an anti

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poverty, anti exclusion focus. They work with Travellers in Galway city and across South East

Galway. Contact Details:

Galway Traveller Movement 61 Main Street, Loughrea, Co. Galway. Tel: 091 880196

Orla McCaffrey, PHC Co-ordinator. Email: orla@gtmtrav.ie Maria Brennan, Health Professional PHC, Email: maria@gtmtrav.ie

Pamela Mahoney, Community Development Worker, Email: pamela@gtmtrav.ie Rebecca Bergin, Administrator Email: Rebecca@gtmtrav.ie Western Traveller and Intercultural Development Western Traveller and Intercultural Development works towards improving the quality of

accommodation, health standards, access to employment and/or enterprise opportunities, education experiences and the general quality of life for Travellers Contact Details:

Western Traveller and Intercultural Development Bru Bhride, Church View, Tuam, Co Galway.

Tel: 093 25456 / 093 25244 Martin Ward, Manager Email: martin.westtrav@gmail.com

Teresa Kelly, FAS Supervisor Email: tsrkelly@eircom.net Caroline Canney, PHC Co-ordinator Email: caroline.westtrav@gmail.com David Collins, Community Development Worker Email: dcollins105@gmail.com

Owen Ward, Primary Healthcare Co-ordinator Email: owenieward@yahoo.com Caroline Connors, Community Development Worker Email: caftuam@hotmail.com Ann Ward, Preschool Teacher Traveller Health Unit (HSE West)

The aim of the service is to improve the quality of life and health of Travellers by improving access

to services and through working in partnership with Travellers and others in the formation of policy by the HSE.

Contact Details:

Mary Syron, Regional Co-ordinator, Email: mary.syron@hse.ie Olive Gallagher, Clerical Support

Con Moynihan Admin Support

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Galway Rural Development Co. Ltd. (GRD)

Galway Rural Development (GRD), through a partnership approach, aims to empower and assist marginalised and socially excluded groups to overcome disadvantage and enhance their quality of

life.

Contact Details:

Galway Rural Development Co Ltd. Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co Galway Tel: 091 844335

Email: grd@grd.ie Web: www.grd.ie

Donna Gleeson, Community Development Officer Email: dgleeson@grd.ie Fiona Stewart, Community Development Co-ordinator Email: fstewart@grd.ie

Na Calaí Community Development Project (CDP)

Na Calaí CDP works within Portumna and its environs and is committed to enabling, enhancing

and promoting community life by empowering people to participate, be inclusive and work together in partnership.

Contact Details:

Na Calaí Community Development Project, Abbey Street, Portumna, Co. Galway. Tel: 090 9741887

Martina Forde, Project Coordinator, Email: coord@nacalai.ie Mary Foxton, Traveller Development Worker Email: tfsp@nacalai.ie

Aonad Family Resource Centre (FRC) Aonad FRC aims to combat rural isolation, promote and achieve greater social inclusion and build

strategic relationships within the community in the wider Ballygar, Newbridge and Toghergar areas.

Contact Details:

Aonad Resource Centre The Square, Ballygar, Co Galway

Tel: 090 6624484 / 6624417 E-Mail: aonad@eircom.net Web: www.ballygarresourcecentre.com

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Galway County Council In accordance with the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, Galway County Council is responsible for preparing and adopting an accommodation programme to meet the existing and projected accommodation needs of Travellers in their functional area. This is done though Group

housing schemes, temporary and permanent halting sites and standard local authority housing. The programme is monitored by the Galway County Council’s Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee.

Contact Details:

Housing Unit,

Galway County Council, Prospect Hill, Galway. Tel: 091 509300 Email: housing@galwaycoco.ie

Web: www.galway.ie Ellen Mongan, Traveller Liaison & Development Officer

Mary Forde, Senior Social Worker (Loughrea based) Evelyn Ellis, Social Worker (Tuam based) Mary Lavelle, Social Worker (Ballinasloe based)

Clare Garrett, Housing Liaison Officer Mary Quinn, Housing Liaison Officer

Hugh Broderick, Housing Liaison Officer County Galway Vocational Education Committee (VEC) The VEC offers a broad educational service throughout the county both at second level and in its wide network of Adult and Community Education Centres, Literacy schemes, Outdoor Education,

VTOS, Youthreach, and Traveller Training programmes. The Committee operates twelve Vocational Schools in the county administrative area, six in the Gaeltacht area - of which three are Island Schools.

Contact Details:

Coiste Gairmoideachais Chontae na Gaillimhe

An Coiléar Bán, Baile Átha an Rí, Co. na Gaillimhe Tel: 091 874 260 Email: enquiries@cogalvec.ie

Centres of Education & Training

Senior Traveller Training Centres were established in 1974 to provide basic compensatory

education for Travellers between the ages of 15 and 25, although the upper age limit has since been abolished.

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There are 4 Traveller Training Centres in County Galway:

• Madonna House, Education Centre, Ballinasloe Tel: 090 9643479 • Ballygar Education Centre* Tel: 090 6624003 • St. Brendan’s Centre, Loughrea Tel: 091 841387

• St. Benin’s Education Centre, Tuam Tel: 093 28640 *At time of going to print the Ballygar Training Centre had closed.

FÁS FÁS is the National Training and Employment Authority. It operates training and employment programmes, provides a recruitment service to jobseekers and employers, an advisory service for

industry, and supports community-based enterprises. Contact Details:

Island House Cathedral Square, Galway Tel: 091 534400

Industrial Estate Mervue, Galway

Tel: 091 706208 / 706210 High Street

Tuam, Co. Galway Tel: 093 28066 / 28067 National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) NUIG offer students that may not be able to access courses though the normal procedures an

opportunity to participate in education through their Access Course. Access students can be either school leavers or mature students (over the age of 22) who haven't been able to access third level education because of socio-economic reasons such as long term unemployment, low family

income, little or no family tradition of higher education, limited study facilities at home, family stresses or persons with disabilities whose illness has effected their background education. Contact Details:

Imelda Byrne, Access Officer, NUI Galway. Tel: 091 493553

Email: imelda.byrne nuigalway.ie

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Department of Social Protection The Department is responsible for the delivery of a range of social insurance and social assistance schemes including provision for unemployment, illness, maternity, caring, widowhood, retirement

and old age. Contact Details:

Hynes Building, St. Augustine Street, Galway Tel: 500800

Galway City and County Childcare Committee The Galway City and County Childcare Committee assist in the development of a wide range of

integrated, high quality, accessible and affordable services for children in Galway city and county. Some supports provided to Travellers are: • Helping pre-schools to integrate Traveller children as part of the Dormant Accounts Pre-school

initiative for Traveller children • Supporting Travellers to access childcare training • Promoting employment of Travellers in crèches and pre-schools

Contact Details:

Galway City & County Childcare Committee,

9b, Liosban Retail Centre, Tuam Road, Galway. Tel: 091 752039

E-Mail: mail@galwaychildcare.com An Garda Síochána Some of An Garda Síochána’s core functions include the detection and prevention of crime; ensuring our nation’s security; reducing the incidence of fatal and serious injuries on our roads and improving road safety; and working with communities to prevent anti-social behaviour, promote an

inter-agency approach to problem solving and improve the overall quality of life. Contact Details:

Ballinasloe District HQ Tel: 09096 31890 Clifden District HQ Tel: 095 22500 Gort District HQ Tel: 091 636400

Loughrea District HQ Tel: 091 842870 Tuam District HQ Tel: 093 70840

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Department of Education & Science The Department supports education in disadvantaged areas though its DEIS programme - Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. Some of the schemes under this programme are

Home School Community Liaison Scheme, School Completion Scheme, and the Early State Preschool Scheme. The Department also operates a Visiting Teacher Service for Travellers. Contact Details (Athlone):

DEIS programme Tel: 090 64 83772 / 83775 Home School Community Liaison Tel: 090 64 83897

School Completion Programme Tel: 090 64 83766 / 84096

Western Region Drugs Taskforce The aim of the Taskforce is to develop an integrated and well managed response to drug and alcohol problems.

Contact Details:

Western Region Drugs Taskforce

Unit 6, Galway Technology Park Parkmore, Galway. Tel: 091 480044

Email: info@wrdtf.ie Web: www.wrdtf.ie

Western Area Drug Service 64 Dominick Street, Galway. Tel: 091 561 299

Email: fiona.walsh@hse.ie

23

Galway County Development Board

County Galway Traveller Interagency Group (TIG)

Traveller Interagency Strategy

Action Plan 2010 - 2013

24

Issues Identified by Sub Group Workshops Accommodation • Traditionally Traveller families are bigger in size, therefore they need more 4 bed houses • Ballinasloe Town Council should be represented on Traveller Interagency Group • Standard of current Traveller Accommodation

• Anti-social behaviour / Estate management Education & Training • Lack of After School Support for Primary and Second level students.

• Feeling isolated in the lower cycles of the second level education i.e. 1st, 2nd & 3rd year. • Children feeling ashamed of being identified as Travellers in school • Irregular attendance and failure to retain Traveller children in school (second level)

• Skills developed for some Traveller parents to support their children in school. • Reluctance or fear of progressing from training to work. • Lack of role models who are in employment among the Traveller community

• Geographical difference amongst Travellers involvement in education around the County Enterprise & Employment • Low employment rates and limited opportunities for travellers • Isolation and discrimination in the areas of work and employment • Lack of awareness of employment and enterprise opportunities

Health • Vaccination uptake

• Mental health • Addictions • Heart Disease

• Suicide • Cancer Screening • Nutrition

• Hypertension • Poor accommodation and its impact on education, health, self esteem etc • Early interventions for children under the age of 5 years – lack of such interventions lead to

many educational, social and health problems in later life (research supports this fact). Traveller Culture • Service providers being more aware of and respecting Traveller Culture • Discrimination against Travellers • Employers being more aware of Traveller Culture

• Travellers being more aware of their culture and history

25

Description of Abbreviations Used CDP Community Development Project

DOE Department of Education & Training

EWO Education Welfare Officer

FRC Family Resource Centre

GCC Galway County Council

GCCCC Galway City & County Childcare Committee

GCCEB Galway County & City Enterprise Board

GRD Galway Rural Development

GTM Galway Traveller Movement

HSCL Home School Community Liaison Scheme

HSE Health Service Executive

LTACC Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee

NATC National Association of Traveller Centres

NUIG National University of Ireland, Galway

SPC School Completion Programme

TIG Traveller Interagency Group

UCH University College Hospital Galway

VEC Vocational Education Committee

WRDTF Western Region Drugs Taskforce

WRTHN Western Regional Traveller Health Network

WTID Western Traveller & Intercultural Development

YWI Youth Work Ireland

26

Ref No Outcome Action Lead Partners Time Resources Indicator

TIG 1 An analysis carried out on anti-social behaviour in Council housing estates in Galway County.

Carry out an analysis on the levels of anti-social behaviour in all Council estates in Galway County.

The following will be measured:

• Occurrence of ASB

• Type of ASB / nuisance behaviour

• Frequency of Calls made in relation to ASB

Make recommendations for actions to be taken to reduce anti social behaviour.

Gardaí Galway County Council

Ballinasloe Town Council

Residents Associations

2011 Time

Levels and location of anti-social behaviour are identified in housing estates

TIG 2 Reduction in anti-social behaviour in council estates

Improvement in the quality of life for people living in areas where ASB occurs

Develop initiatives to reduce anti social behaviour based on the recommendations of the analysis.

Seek to develop initiatives such as:

• Re-establish / re-energise residents committees in Galway County Council estates including Group Housing Schemes

• Encourage Residents to form Neighbourhood Watch Schemes

• Encourage residents to identify and report incidents of anti-social behaviour

• Encourage residents to secure and utilise community facilities

• Encourage Traveller participation on new and existing committees

• Other initiatives as may be identified

Galway County Council

Gardai

Residents Associations

GTM and WTID

Other community groups as necessary

2011-2013

Time Incidents of anti-social behaviour reduced

Accommodation Actions

27

Ref No Outcome Action Lead Partners Time Resources Indicator

TIG 3 Standards of temporary halting sites identified

Carry out a review of standards in temporary halting sites.

• Review the National Guidelines for Temporary halting sites

• Review current standards of halting sites in County Galway

• Consult with Travellers living on Temporary Halting sites

• Make a submission to the LTACC on findings and recommendations.

GTM

Galway County Council

LTACC

WTID

Na Calai CDP

Traveller Reps

2011-2012

Time Standards of temporary halting sites identified

28

Ref No Outcome Action Lead Partners Time Resources Indicator

TIG 4 Greater access, integration and participation in preschool services by Travellers.

Preschool - Equality and diversity policy.

Encourage pre-schools to review and continue to implement equality & diversity policies.

GCCCC

NATC Interagency researcher, Youth work Ireland, FRCS,Social work

2010 – 2013 On-going

Time Improved uptake of pre-school services by Travellers

TIG 5

TIG 5.1

Traveller parents equipped to support & encourage their children while in education

Parenting Courses

Pilot parenting courses to help parents support their children while in school. Look at Tuam model.

St. Brendans Ed. Centre, Tuam

HSCL’s

Adult Literacy Service VEC,

SCP, GCCCC, NATC, Interagency researcher, YWI, FRCs, Social work

2010 - 2011

Funding would be required for training of parenting courses.

Uptake and commitment from parents

Family learning & literacy

Research & investigate rolling out the “Parent & Youth Programme” as piloted in Loughrea to other areas

Promote the VEC’s Countywide adult education literacy service to increase uptake from Travellers

NATC

VEC

Traveller Training Centres, Youth organisations, Adult Literacy Service

2010 -

promote pilot

Time

Funding

Uptake and commitment from families

TIG 6 Greater primary after school support for Travellers

Primary after-school support

Continue to provide After School Support Programmes. Research good practice models and seek to duplicate in other areas.

NATC (Loughrea, B’sloe & Tuam)

Visiting Teacher Service, GRD,

HSCL’s, FAS

WTID, FRC’s, CDP’s & YWI

2010 - 2011

Co-operation from schools / youth work agencies.

Funding may be required

Feedback from schools

Feedback from the organisations leading the after-school

Education & Training Actions

29

Ref No Outcome Action Lead Partners Time Resources Indicator

TIG 7 More Travellers stay in 2nd level education & transfer to 3rd level

Buddy System at second level

Promote & raise awareness of Buddy system.

Visiting Teacher for Travellers

HSCL’s, SCP E.W.O’s with School Principals, Foroige, YWI, Transition year co-ordinators,

2010 – 2013 On-going

Time

Co-operation from schools

School Attendance Records

Visiting Teacher for Travellers records

Education Welfare Officer Reports

TIG 8 More Travellers stay in 2nd level education & transfer to 3rd level

Second level after school support

Research successful initiatives to support young Traveller in secondary school with possible roll out in NATC projects

NATC

GTM, NUIG, Visiting teacher for Travellers, SCP, School Principal, NATC, YWI, DOE

Conradh na Gaeilge

2010 - 2013

Funding may be required for volunteer travel expenses

School Attendance Records

Visiting Teacher for Travellers records

Education Welfare Officer Reports

TIG 9 Travellers feel more positive and encouraged about staying in school

Role Models

Prepare Traveller ‘role models’ to visit primary, 2nd level & youth agencies to speak about positive experiences in education & employment.

NATC

NATC, GTM, WTID, YWI, GRD (funding)

2010 €4,000

Uptake from Travellers to act as ‘role models’

TIG 10

Increased training and facilitation skills of Travellers

FETEC Train the Trainer

Provide Train the Trainer FETAC Level 6 training, for 10-12 Travellers

WTID GTM, GRD 2010 €3,000 FETAC Level 6 Training delivered

No. Travellers Trained

TIG 11

Skills gained and incentive to stay in school until leaving certificate.

Summer / Transition Year work experience

Encourage Travellers to enter into work experience and liaise with employers to encourage uptake.

Schools & Youth Orgs.

Host Organisations in the county -YWI, NATC, GTM,

WTID

2010 - 2013

Time

No. Travellers getting work experience

TIG 12

Increased awareness and information for adults and young Travellers re: future opportunities

Information sessions

Host information sessions for Travellers on available courses, schemes, 3rd level education etc

Provide support for Travellers to access these, e.g. support with applications and grant forms

Employ. & Enterp. workers

Visiting Teacher Service, Co. Galway VEC, GTM, WTID, Training agencies, 3rd Level Institutes

2011

2012

2013

Venue costs

Time resources for staff to attend

3 x Information mornings held across Co Galway

30

Enterprise & Employment Actions

Ref No Outcome Action Lead Partners Time Resources Indicator

TIG 13 2 Development Workers employed to work with Travellers, groups, & employment and enterprise agencies

Secure approval for the FÁS Employment initiative

Recruit 2 Development Workers to work with Travellers

TIG Enterprise & Employment sub group

GRD,GCC VEC, FÁS,

Aonad Ballygar,

WTID,GTM,

May 2010 – August 2010

€125,000 aprox. Further funding to be secured

Funding secured and 2 workers employed

TIG 14 Increase in Traveller Employment & Enterprise including traditional businesses, public and private businesses and agencies.

Monitor and assist with Implementation of plan for 2 workers

TIG Enterprise & Employment sub group

GRD, GCC, VEC, FÁS;

Aonad Ballygar,

WTID, GTM;

GCCEB;

Sept 2010 – Sept 2011

€125,000 aprox. • 62 people engaged

• 5 employers involved

• 31 people in employment (work experience, employed or self employed)

• 20 people progressed to further training

• 50% of those employed to be retained after year 1

TIG 15 Travellers aware of avenues for entering a career with public service providers

Up to 5 people in employment. Public bodies to have increased numbers of Travellers employed

Investigate & develop employment opportunities within the public sector such as An Garda Síochana, Fire & Ambulance Service & Defence Forces.

Enterprise & Employment Development workers

GRD

GCC, GTM;

Dept of Social Welfare;

WTID;

6 months for investigation phase;

18 months for implementation phase

Time input from An Garda Síochana, Fire Service, Ambulance Service and Defence Forces

Resources to be secured for support services and training

• Links made with HR depts of the public service providers

• 30 people engaged with a further 15 progressing to further training

• Pilot Initiatives in progress and Travellers in employment and placements

31

Ref No Outcome Action Lead Partner Time Resources Indicator

TIG 16 Increased uptake of Counselling Service by the Traveller community.

Counsellors feel supported within their role with the Traveller community

Further developed Counselling model appropriate to needs

Support the promotion of the GTM Traveller counselling service throughout the Traveller community

Promote the service with the relevant service providers and voluntary agencies in Galway

Provide support for counsellors on Team

Explore ways to extend service to new locations

Communicate with potential funders about the developing project and the feedback from service users

GTM

(M. Brennan

GRD ,

Local FRCs, Suicide prevention officer ,

WRDTF,

Mental Health Services- east Galway, Counselling services HSE,

Drugs & Alcohol HSE,

Primary care team members.

Ongoing for 2010-2013

Pending funding

Personnel of those in lead & partner agencies

Funding to for promotion, maintenance & expansion of service.

Counsellors see an increased demand and uptake in their service

Feedback from service users indicates growing acceptance and usefulness.

Increased number of referrals from services

Funding continued to provide counselling and maintain service

TIG 17 Improved Early Childhood Development in the Traveller Community

Role out of PEEP and other initiatives.

(pilot in Tuam, evaluate & seek to roll out to other areas in the county)

PEEP is an early learning intervention to support parents / carers with early childhood learning.

GCCC & HSE

WTID,

GTM.

VEC

Community crèches.

Ongoing 2010-2013

Personnel reflective of those in lead & partner agencies

Number of initiatives targeted to promote greater participation by Traveller children.

No. of Travellers availing of service.

Feedback from Travellers

Health Actions

32

Ref No Outcome Action Lead Partners Time Resources Indicator

TIG 18 Regional Traveller Health Network supported

Continue to maintain and develop the Regional Traveller Health Network.

GTM, WTID

GRD (funding) Ongoing 2010 - 2013

Approx €1,500 needed for the network each year.

Quarterly Reports provide feedback on work been undertaken

TIG 19 More Travellers aware of benefits of healthy eating, & lifestyle & taking part in sport, exercise & activities locally

Promote Diabetes screening that is offered within the Traveller Health Projects currently.

Source funding to ensure that Travellers continue to have opportunistic cardiovascular risk screening and intervention at community level

Promote importance of exercise and nutrition to young people and parents

Explore obstacles for Travellers using sports and activity facilities locally

GTM, WTID

Diabetic clinic UCH, GCC

sports officer,

Health promotion Dept HSE,

Youth groups, schools, community / sports groups

Co. Galway

VEC

Adult Training facilities

2010-2013

(Dependant on future funding)

Personnel reflective of those in lead & partner agencies.

Funding

Community Health workers and Coordinators.

Access to space in community.

Uptake of diabetes screening

Increased awareness of lifestyle choices and the benefits in Traveller population

Increased no. Of Travellers participating in exercise and sport

TIG 20 Improved physical environment in communities to promote health and exercise

Identify 2 groups to engage with & identify ways that of improving their community areas to promote health and exercise

Support community groups to explore uses for spare and communal land which promote exercise and activity

GTM, WTID

GCC,

HSE health promotion,

VEC,

Residents groups and associations.

2011-2013 Funding

Personnel reflective of those in lead & partner agencies.

Improved physical environment such as new play and recreation areas developed in county Galway.

More active and empowered community groups

Increased sense of ownership for people within community area

33

Ref No Outcome Action Lead Partners Time Resources Indicator

TIG 21 More Travellers availing of optical services

Reduced stigma attached to wearing glasses

Plan a campaign around sight health to promote awareness of the issues with Travellers and services available

Facilitate access to opticians for groups of men and women for information and eye test.

WTID, GTM Co. Galway VEC

Schools

Visiting teachers

Primary Care Teams

2011-2012 Staff time of those in lead & partner agencies.

More Travellers accessing optical services

More people using glasses

More people being treated for associated illnesses such as diabetes glaucoma, blood pressure

TIG 22 Ethnic Identifier in use in community health services

(As one of key recommendations in HSE national intercultural health strategy 2008)

Lobby one Primary care team to pilot ethnic identifier.

Explore the process to implement and use the identifier with service providers by working with them on the issues with its use.

Work with Travellers discussing its uses effects and other issues to help raise awareness about it.

GTM

WTID

Primary Care Team members

HSE personnel

Health and Diversity group HSE

2011-2013 Staff time of those in lead & partner agencies.

Training in use prioritised to promote code of practice with use of ethnic identifier

Support by national health policy

Ethnic identifier in use in health setting

Staff trained in its use

Travellers aware of it uses and why it is being asked

34

Traveller Culture & Information Actions

Ref No Outcome Action Lead Partners Time Frame Resources Indicator

TIG 23 Settled and Traveller communities more aware of Traveller Culture

Promote Traveller Culture by hosting annual event

WRTHN, WTID, GTM,

Other TIG Agencies

2010

2011

2012

Staff time

Funding for cultural event

3 events held

TIG 24 Increased cultural awareness among agencies, services and professions who deal with Travellers, in particular public services

Provide service providers with Traveller cultural awareness training

WTID, GTM Other TIG Agencies

On-going 2010 - 2013

GTM and WTID staff time to facilitate sessions

Staff release to attend training from HSE and other public bodies

At least 2 cultural awareness training sessions carried out.

35

7 Implementation, Monitoring & Review Implementation

At the Traveller Interagency Group meeting on 15th September it was discussed how the strategy might be implemented. Each action has a lead agency and it will be the

responsibility of this agency to begin work on the action. They will more than likely need to form a sub group around the action bringing the partner agencies together. It will be up to themselves how often they meet and a lot of the work can probably

happen though informal meetings, phone and email. This work will be done outside the confines of the main Traveller Interagency Group. Some partner agencies are not on the main Group and other partner agencies that were not identified at drafting

stage but are needed to progress the action may need to be invited to the sub group. The Enterprise and Employment sub-group will continue to meet regularly in order to oversee and develop the work plan of the Employment and Enterprise Workers.

As actions begin to be implemented, it may be necessary to review this approach and use an approach that works best for the action.

Monitoring

It was also discussed at the 15th September meeting how the strategy would be monitored. The main Traveller Interagency Group will meet at least 4 times a year. These meetings will be important for the monitoring of the strategy. The lead agency,

who in all cases is a member of the Traveller Interagency Group, will give an update on the progress of the action at these meetings. This information will also be submitted to the facilitator of the Group who will coordinate centrally.

Review

As each action is progressed and implemented its success or otherwise should be tracked. This information can then be used to decide whether to roll out initiatives that have worked to other areas of the County or whether to try a different approach if

they have not worked. As the strategy is due to expire in September 2013, the review and drafting of a new

strategy should begin in early 2013.

36

Appendix 1: Traveller Interagency Group Membership* & Reporting Structure

F Name S Name Position Organisation

Fiona Stewart Community Development Officer Galway Rural Development

Martina Forde Coordinator Na Calaí CDP

Siobhán Noctor Coordinator Aonad Family Resource Centre

Donna Gleeson Community Development Officer Galway Rural Development

Ellen Mongan Traveller Liaison Officer Housing Unit, Galway County Council

Mary Forde Senior Social Worker Housing Unit, Galway County Council

Valerie Kavanagh Social Inclusion Analyst CEED, Galway County Council

Kieran Coyne CEDO CEED, Galway County Council

David Collins Community Development Worker

Western Traveller & Intercultural Development

Deirdre Towey Regional Manager National Council for the Blind

Owen Ward Primary Healthcare Co-ordinator

Western Traveller & Intercultural Development

Orla McCaffrey Primary Healthcare Co-ordinator

Galway Traveller Movement

Geraldine Ward Traveller Rep Loughrea Electoral Area

Primary Health Care, Galway Traveller Movement

Liz Loftus Youth Services Development Worker National Association of Traveller Centres

Michael O'Dwyer Inspector An Garda Siochána

Sue Curley Superintendent CWO Community Welfare Dept., HSE West

Orla Irwin Coordinator West Regional Drugs Taskforce

Eithne Nic Dhonnchadha Adult Education Organiser County Galway VEC

Mary Giblin Coordinator Galway City & County Childcare Committee

Monica Delaney Visiting Teacher for Travellers Dept. of Education & Science

Mary Syron Regional Traveller Health Coordinator HSE West

Jimmy Glynn Deputy Regional Manager Dept. of Social & Family Affairs

Imelda Byrne Access Officer NUI Galway

Joe Broder Community Services Unit FÁS West Region

*Current membership at time of print. It was agreed at Traveller Interagency Group meeting 15th

September 2010 that more Travellers representing different areas of the County, Ballinasloe Town

Council, Youth Work Ireland, and the Public Health Worker from Galway Traveller Movement should

all be invited to join. Membership will be reviewed on an on-going basis.

37

Reporting Structure

Traveller Policy Unit Dept. of Community, Equality & Gaeltacht Affairs

Pobal (manage Traveller Interagency

Fund on behalf of DoCEGA)

Local Gov Policy Section Dept. of Environ, Heritage

& Local Gov. (monitor CDBs)

County Development Board

(Oversees TIG)

Traveller Interagency Group (TIG)

SIM Committee

LTACC

38

Appendix 2

County Galway Traveller Interagency Group

Traveller Interagency Strategy 2010 – 2013

Guidelines for Consultation

Suggestions for consulting with Travellers See page 4 for groups of Travellers & pages 6 & 7 for templates to use.

• When consulting with Travellers invite the particular group of Travellers

to come together or ask for some time with an existing group. See page 4 for groups of Travellers that we agreed should be contacted.

• Explain what the Traveller Interagency Group is • Explain what the Strategy is and what it is trying to achieve • Explain how the Strategy will be made up, for example by themes and

then there will be 2 - 3 priority actions in each theme • Ask the group what the main issues for Travellers are under each of the

themes • Ask for solutions / actions to these issues. • Actions should be as interagency based, specific, practical and realistic. • Tell them the suggested actions that came from the Traveller

Interagency Group and look for their opinions. • Use the template given on page 6 & 7 in these guidelines to summarise

the feedback. • Tell the group that you will be submitting this to the Traveller Interagency

Group for consideration as part of the Strategy.

39

Suggestions for consulting with Agencies See page 5 for agencies to consult with & pages 8 & 9 for templates to use. • Consultation with agencies can be formal or informal; whatever works

best within the organisation / agency you are working in or with. • Formal consultation might be organising a meeting of relevant people

that are working with or providing services to Travellers. • Informal might be sending out an e mail / mail shot, asking for

submissions and then collating these submissions into one submission from the agency.

• Where permission from Managers is needed for leading on actions then

this person should be consulted on this.

Deadline for e mailing all submissions to Valerie is: Friday 28th May 2010 - vkavanagh@galwaycoco.ie

What is the County Galway Traveller Interagency Group? • It is a group of agencies and organisations that have a role in providing

services and supports to the Traveller Community. • The purpose of the Group is to improve how services and supports are

delivered to Travellers in County Galway. • It does this by working with the Traveller Community. What is a Traveller Interagency Strategy? • It is a document which states how services to Travellers can be improved

in the medium to long term. • Its overall goal is to improve the quality of life for Travellers. • It does this by developing a set of actions that will be worked on for the

period of the strategy.

40

Why consult with Travellers? It is important to find out what the issues are from Travellers themselves. It may not be possible to solve every problem but if a few positive actions are prioritised and achieved this will be a great starting point. What are we consulting on? Actions in the strategy will be divided up into 4 areas as follows: • Accommodation • Health • Education & Training • Employment & Enterprise Examples of the type of actions: • Supporting Travellers in the school system • Supporting Travellers from school to further education & training • Supporting Travellers into employment • Family support • Support for drug abuse • Community relations & getting Travellers involved in the Traveller

Interagency Group • Accommodation • Conflict resolution in areas where there may be conflict What will happen after the consultation stage? • After the 28th May deadline for sending in submissions to the strategy,

they will be coordinated and a report on them will be drafted. • This report will be presented to the County Galway Traveller Interagency

Group at its next meeting • The Group will consider these submissions and decide whether or not

they can be incorporated into the strategy. • Where a submission cannot be included in the strategy a reason will be

given by the Group. • This information will be fed back to groups / organisations that made

submissions. • The drafting of the Strategy will be finalised.

41

Consultation with Travellers

For County Galway Traveller Interagency Strategy

Travellers Who

Traveller women

• GTM Loughrea (covering Ballinasloe, Athenry, Loughrea, Craughwell, Ballygar)

• WTID Tuam Primary Health care Projects

• Winnie Mongan GTM Ballinasloe Traveller Women’s Group

• Pamela Mahoney GTM Athenry Women’s Group

• Martina Na Calaí CDP

Young Travellers

• Aonad FRC

• WTID Tuam

• April McGrath Ballinasloe

• Teresa B Ward Loughrea

• Youth Work Ireland Ballygar

• Kathleen Ward GTM Athenry

• Martina Na Calai CDP Portumna

Traveller men • WTID Tuam with media group and BTEI group

Travellers in education (mix of men/women/young Travellers)

• Catherine Cooney – Senior Traveller Training Centres, Co. Galway VEC Centres, Traveller pre-school, BTEI Initiatives, HSCL / schools and Principals

Traveller Accommodation

(Halting Sites & Group housing and estates)

Ellen Mongan, Galway County Council

42

Consultation with Agencies

For County Galway Traveller Interagency Strategy

Agencies / Service / Group Who

HSE Relevant staff / services Mary Syron HSE

Western Region Drugs Task Force – Addiction / Alcohol and Drugs teams

Orla Irwin WRDTF

Schools Monica Delaney, Visiting Teacher for Travellers, Dept. of Education & Science

Garda Superintendents Insp. Mike O’Dwyer, An Garda Siochána

Traveller Interagency Groups (Loughrea and Ballygar)

GRD Donna Gleeson / Fiona Stewart

Cullairbaun House Athenry GRD Donna Gleeson / Fiona Stewart

Family Resource Centres Siobhán Noctor

Community Development Projects Martina Forde

Ballinasloe Town Council Kieran Coyne

Housing, Galway County Council

Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee

Ellen Mongan

43

Template – Consulting with Traveller Community

County Galway Traveller Interagency Strategy

Name of Person Consulting _________________________________________ Organisation _________________________________________ Details on group of Travellers _________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

Theme Issues Solutions / Actions

Accommodation

Health

44

Theme Issues Solutions / Actions

Education & Training

Employment & Enterprise

Other

Once consultation has taken place please summarise discussion and type up on this template. E mail to Valerie – vkavanagh@galwaycoco.ie by Friday 28th May 2010

45

Template – Agency Submission

County Galway Traveller Interagency Strategy

Organisation making submission _____________________________ Name of person submitting submission _______________________________ Contact details ____________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

Theme Issues Solutions / Actions

Accommodation

Health

46

Theme Issues Solutions / Actions

Education & Training

Employment & Enterprise

Other

E mail to Valerie – vkavanagh@galwaycoco.ie by Friday 28th May 2010

47

Appendix 3

Report on Consultation for

County Galway Traveller Interagency Group Strategy 2010 – 2013 Organisations / Groups / Agencies that made a submission

• An Garda Siochána • Aonad Family Resource Centre, Ballygar • Adult Traveller Parents and Early Traveller School Leavers who are now in second chance education from Gort and Loughrea submitted

by County Galway VEC • Western Region Drugs Task Force • Galway Mental Health Addiction Counselling Service • Galway Traveller Movement • Loughrea Area Traveller Network • U turn Group Step up Youth Services NATC Loughrea • Loughrea Community Healthcare Workers • Galway City and County Childcare Committee • Adult Education Group, Portumna / Killimor • Travellers in Tuam submitted by Western Travellers & Intercultural Development

Submissions are summarised by theme

48

Accommodation Issues

Issues Solutions / Suggestions

An Garda Síochána

Gardaí to be a partner on the Accommodation actions rather than lead

Gardaí can conduct the analysis of crime and public order incidents etc. The causes, however, could not be provided from our available data, but rather the levels and locations

Aonad Family Resource Centre, Ballygar

Future accommodation needs and over crowding

Carry out real interagency consultation with Travellers regarding housing needs. Look at sourcing single houses

Non permanent accommodation, anti-social behaviour, integration

Travellers should have permanent, suitable houses, not having a large concentration in any one area – this will also facilitate greater integration

GTM Loughrea Community Health Workers

Anti social behaviour a problem in areas.

Learn from the practices that work in some areas, see what has been put in place. Communication channels, structures etc in areas where ASB was a problem and now not as much.

Resident’s views must be heard and heeded by housing and other authorities to avoid situations escalating and getting worse.

Have well run residents committees. Traveller members active within group. Good geographical distribution of leaders within estate who have responsibility to communicate with families

All information should be gathered and logged and passed on to relevant people. eg resident committee chairperson and secretary meet with Council. Guard on committee

Halting sites in county Galway

Become more aware of conditions and facilities on each site.

Make contact with residents living on sites and establish what they see their needs are

Review national guidelines for Temporary halting sites and compare with realities of sites at present

Make recommendations to the housing authority based on all the above, make LTACC aware of issues.

49

Issues Solutions / Suggestions

Family needs

Families circumstances change a lot over time as children and families grow

Group housing schemes have limited space for expansion.

Larger houses need to be available recommendations to Dept of environment

Needs to be better communication between Galway co co and Ballinasloe UDC and participation in LTACC

Letters to be sent from LTACC and interagency groups encouraging participation.

Adult Education Group Portumna / Killimor

This group had no issues with their own accommodation.They pointed out that there were travellers living in caravans in the halting site in Capira who might wish to be housed. Family of 10 were housed in a 3 bed house.

Get information on the needs of the families in caravans and if they wished to be housed provide them with same.

Provide houses to suit the needs of large families.

Travellers in Tuam submitted by Western Travellers & Intercultural Development

Increased sense of ownership of Living Spaces By Traveller Residents.

Community Residents Associations established.

� Support establishment of Residents Associations and the operation of existing associations

� Provide feedback / accountability to residents from the RAPID AIT

� Provide information, training and facilitation for Residents Associations

Increased Community Involvement in improving physical environment.

Increase participation by Travellers in decision making on accommodation � Maintain playgrounds and community gardens � Promote involvement in community gardens � Encourage housing estate enhancement measures to be put in place through RAPID and town

council � Support / organise community clean ups � Develop agreements / policies with the Council on illegal dumping and raise awareness with

Residents Association � Explore use of spare land as allotments

Availability of Community Facilities in estates

Secure availability of houses as Community Houses (via RAPID)

50

Health Issues

Issues Solutions / Suggestions

An Garda Siochana

An Garda Siochana could act as a partner organisation under the Health actions, in relation to engagement with the Traveller Community with primary prevention in the area of Drugs and Alcohol.

Aonad Family Resource Centre, Ballygar

Increase in drug use Drug awareness programmes on an ongoing basis for parents and young adult Travellers

Mental Health

Greater availability of counselling and awareness around the value of it

Western Region Drugs Task Force

Delivering Putting The Pieces Together training to members of the Traveller Organisations is only the first step in relation to reducing substance misuse within the Traveller community.

As the WRDTF research “Minor Tranquillisers & Sedatives” shows there is a serious issue in relating to the long term use of prescribed tranquilisers and sedatives. The research shows that women, older people and people in deprived socio-economic situations are more likely to be prescribed Tranquillisers and sedatives. Some 1.5 million prescriptions were reimbursed between 2000-2007. Almost 88% of prescriptions went to people with medical cards.

In additional research done by the WRDTF supports the above information. In “Substance Misuse in the Traveller Community”

agency workers reported marked differences relating to gender and age differences with very low levels of Traveller women using illicit drugs and most commonly abusing night sedation (i.e tranquillisers) and benzodiazepines.

Drug & Alcohol outreach workers are needed to work with the Traveller community. A community development, outreach approach is vital element of any strategy to deal with substance misuse

Encourage GP’s and Pharmacy to work within the Good “Practice Prescribing

Guidelines” issued by the Dept of Health & Children to clinicians in 2002.

Gender specific and targeted interventions for Traveller men and women are needed in light of current reported substance use trends

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Galway Mental Health Addiction Counselling Service

Research indicates that the overall prevalence of drug use among the travelling community is of increasing concern, especially where alcohol misuse is concerned and the gradual progression to illicit substance misuse.

From an anecdotal point of view people from the travelling community are reluctant to access treatment services and those that do are only accessing counselling services once or twice, usually prior to a court case. The majority of travellers who access this service are male and their primary drug is alcohol.

Anecdotally people from the travelling community have mixed perceptions about health service providers understanding of their culture and express concerns about trust. They believe that services are set up to deal with the needs with the majority of the population.

Due to segregation and reported experiences of discrimination at school and in the wider community along with early drop out from the educational system and low literacy skills, travellers believe that the present educational programmes are not suited to their needs.

A multi agency approach is required which would involve all relevant traveller groups, health promotion organisations and addiction/drug services in order to develop a cohesive approach /structure to support travellers in the community.

From a treatment point of view there is a need for people from the travelling community to be trained in the area of substance misuse and that a dedicated traveller outreach service is developed. Where health service professionals are concerned there is a need for education regarding the cultural aspects of this group and services should be promoted through the various traveller groups.

Education and prevention programmes should be developed taking into consideration the low literacy skills of this group and should have culturally appropriate interventions. With this in mind it would be preferable that these programmes would be developed with a significant input from traveller groups and are traveller lead when delivered.

GTM Loughrea Community Healthcare Workers

Immunisation uptake reduced

Increase awareness within Traveller community re importance of childhood immunisation schedule.

Create a forum locally of key health professionals involved, PHC workers, practice nurses, PHNs and immunisations nurse to discuss issues pertaining to uptake and how to improve it. Consider options such as hand held record etc.

Communicate with national immunisation advisory committee and Public Health specialists on issue of childhood immunisation, statistics for region and other resources, national campaigns etc.

Lack of culturally appropriate counselling available

Traveller Counselling service in its fledgling stage

Promote Traveller counselling service within the community through project staff and to the relevant service providers and voluntary agencies in Galway.

Support the development of a culturally appropriate service by regular input s and support for the counsellors on the team.

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Gather learning from the process so it can be used to educate wider network of counsellors on Traveller needs in counselling.

Liaise with other similar counselling services to gain knowledge and improve service

Gain support from agencies locally who use ser vice

Evaluate the service and implement necessary recommendations

Communicate with funders about the developments on the project and potential benefits for service users, source more funding as necessary

Adult Education Group, Portumna / Killimor

Women with personal problems are often embarrassed and this prevents them seeking medical help.

Female doctors and medical staff available for women's health issues.

Many travellers do not take up screening for cancer etc. This is common to both men and women.

More information and education on the benefits of screening programmes and of illness prevention for men and women.

Mental health problems are a source of embarrassment and there is a stigma attached to it.

More education around mental health.

Would like to know more on the warning signs of someone thinking of suicide.

Travellers in Tuam submitted by Western Travellers & Intercultural Development

Accessible sessions on Health Education issues organised. � Deliver FETAC Family Health Care and Primary Health Care Modules

� Provide one off sessions on various health issues e.g. smoking, alcohol, ante-natal care etc.

� Link to other modules e.g. Beauty Therapy, Food and Nutrition

� Promote Diabetes screening that is offered within the organisations coordinated by a Consultant Endocrinologist at UHG

� Support existing health screening e.g. Breast Check, Cervical Check

� Introduce health component into the Back to Education and Community Employment Schemes.

All of these actions can be achieved in partnership between Primary Health Care workers, HSE and The VEC.

Continue to Maintain and develop the regional Traveller Health Network.

Support is needed for the network each year. Approx €1.500.00 needed

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Education & Training Issues

Issues Solutions / Suggestions

Aonad Family Resource centre, Ballygar

Early school leaving

Low achievement rates in school

Low attendance levels

Low literacy levels

Low numeracy levels (YWI)

Poor attitude/outlook towards school, teachers etc starting in primary school

Reasons for low attendance need to be identified with traveller parents and young people

It is important that parents realise that their children may never reach their potential or have a chance of developing their talents if they do not attend school regularly

Encourage attendance at afterschool programme

A need for specific skills training to enhance employment opportunities for Travellers in Ballygar e.g. welding

(Adult Ed training centre)

Training centre to Source tutors and funding to provide specific skills training programmes to enhance employment opportunities.(Adult Ed training centre)

Need to carry out training needs analysis and draw up individual training plans and source training locally

Adult Traveller Parents and Early Traveller School Leavers who are now in second chance education from Gort and Loughrea

Submitted by VEC

‘Mitching’ School contacts Traveller parents immediately when students are missing.

Illiterate parents unable to help child with homework. Child with no homework done is embarrassed as this is highlighted in the classroom

Family learning programmes and literacy classes

In situations where traveller children have learning difficulties/are weaker than their peers

Streamlining should ensure the children are placed in classes that they are able to cope in. Second year is the year that this should happen in. Learning supports should be put in place to assist them.

Traveller children are leaving school in second and third year of second level.

Parenting courses targeting Traveller parents as they have a hugely important role to play in supporting their child to stay on in school.

Traveller under 18 years of age should not be allowed into centres

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Issues Solutions / Suggestions

Traveller relationships with school, other parents and children Children and parents should get more involved in school. Good practice cited in craughwell primary school there are parent and children days where all parents are involved in organising these days as a fundraising activity for the school. Get to know other parents and breaking down barriers between settled and traveller at €10

How schools are dealing Challenging student behaviour Has to be mutual respect

Galway Traveller Movement

Lack of After school support for Traveller children in Secondary school

Develop after school initiatives to support Traveller students in Post-primary. Ensure school and parental involvement. Support parents to become actively involved in this model and work with NUIG and volunteers from teaching backgrounds to support these initiatives.

Lack of understanding of Traveller culture within schools

Encourage schools to avail of training on Traveller culture and highlight Traveller culture in a positive way within schools.

Examine the possibility of piloting the “Yellow Flag” Intercultural project within schools in Galway county

Opportunities for parents to become involved in their children’s education.

Develop opportunities for Traveller parents to become involved and feel involved in their children’s education within schools.

Organise parent and child evenings with schools and parenting courses

Support Traveller children entering Post primary to stay on in school during the difficult transition period.

Develop buddy system for first year Traveller pupils with older Travellers

Learn from other models and develop “Summer job placement” Incentive for Travellers in 5th and 6th year

Work with public and private sector to develop Summer employment scheme for Travellers as an incentive to stay in school until Leaving certificate.

Loughrea Traveller Area Network

Sustaining the Afterschool programme that is currently running in the two Primary schools in Loughrea Town. This is an integrated programme for children who need extra support with homework.

Look at ways of mainstreaming this pilot project in Loughrea with schools, parents and sourcing more sustained funding. Furthermore, promoting this pilot as good practice for other areas in Co Galway.

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Issues Solutions / Suggestions

A need to support and encourage young Travellers to recognise the importance of education and progression in education”

Look at incorporating a Peer mentoring programme for young people, particularly for young people who are making the transition from Primary to Secondary School level and are feeling isolated.

A local Information session for first years (secondary school) promoting what is ahead of them and the positive opportunities that are out there in achieving their dream jobs. Identify what are their fears for the years ahead and therefore identify ways the schools, youth groups and parents can support young Travellers in achieving their potential in education

Support is needed for an afterschool initiative for Travellers in secondary school level in Loughrea. This initiative is needed to help young people with their study needs that are particularly involved with studying various subjects.

Look at setting up an afterschool support for young people in secondary school with the schools, parents and youth groups. Find a quiet study space that would be supported by teachers or alternatively teachers on teaching practice in NUIG or other colleges.

Irish as a subject is one area that young Travellers are struggling with in school.

Look at ways of involving young people in activities that promote the Irish language e.g. Conrad na Gaeilge.Flag this issue with the schools.

There is a need to promote positive role models in the local area that have achieved different professions and who have also participated in different groups as Traveller advocates for the area.

Traveller role models/advocates to speak to youth groups and schools about their journey in the education system looking at the positives and their achievements.

A local version of the NATC poster to be developed showing Travellers in different professions ,groups and their achievements

Need for cultural awareness training.Encourage schools to avail of training and workshops in the area of cultural awareness, such as those offered by GTM and other organisations

Organisations (GTM or other organisations) to work in conjunction with schools in providing training and workshops in the area of cultural awareness .

U turn Group Step up Youth Services NATC Loughrea

• More support needed to help travellers in schools. • More counsellors and career guidance teachers need to be put in place • More training with teachers around traveller culture • Teachers need to be more sensitive when it comes to travellers • More input from teachers and students • Students needs to stop discrimination against travellers

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• Teachers need to higher their expectations and believe in people • More support needs to be put in place • Need to be given more work to do in classes • Everyone should be treated equally • Who needs to provide the support to Young Travellers: • Parents, Principals, Teachers, Young people, Youth workers, Visting teachers, Dept of ed.

Galway City and County Childcare Committee

All preschool staff are encouraged to develop and implement a comprehensive set of policies and procedures that will promote equality and value diversity. This will improve greater access, integration and participation in preschool services GCCCC to lead on this action

Adult Education Group, Portumna / Killimor

Need access to more courses. Nowadays young people from the travelling community know they will not get anywhere in life without education. Some leave the education system to go on welfare - they might at a later stage in life go back and get training but may lack confidence.

Need information on the courses they are interested in and access to these courses in their area.

Need literacy and personal development courses to help them build confidence to progress to higher levels of education.

Require job interview skills including appropriate dress for interviews.

Travellers in Tuam submitted by Western Travellers & Intercultural Development

Parental and Peer-to-Peer attitudes to Education addressed

Link with the School Completion Project to organise / facilitate

� Organise sessions for parents about their children’s education experience

� Organise sessions between parents and teachers to discuss education experiences.

� Undertake parenting courses

� Organise education seminar to focus on the positives in the education experience

� Organise peer mentoring

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Enterprise & Employment

Issues Solutions / Suggestions

Aonad Family Resource Centre, Ballygar

Training is a big issue with the 18 to 25 year group. The employment mediation service has found that Traveller could not progress as the suitable courses were in Athlone and they did not have transport. Travelling this distance is an issue for parents of young people in the area.(Employment mediation service)

Low employment rates, limited opportunities, isolation and discriminated at work

A form of transport to be developed in some form of transport even in the form of car pool by parents.

Training in employment skills

New positions with GRD i.e. Traveller Enterprise Development Worker and Traveller Employment Development worker should work very closely with community groups on the ground. Steering committee should be set up of local reps across the county to liaise with these positions

GTM Loughrea Community Healthcare Workers

Discrimination

Lack of education

Lack of communication skills

Lack of trust and respect for Travellers from the settled community

Stereotypes-judged before you know the person.

Business to sponsor Travellers to train or to work in their business.

Business welcoming to Travellers in the workplace and see as valuable.

Business include Travellers in their service

Voice of the Traveller profiles on successful Traveller people in employment.

Develop a DVD/TV. Programme on role models

Develop an internet site for employers where Travellers can find jobs.

Do an audit of South East Galway to see where Travellers are employed, this would show Traveller

Adult Education Group, Portumna / Killimor

Girls will seek employment quicker than boys. Boys tend to go onto welfare, get married by 30, have a wife and children and be supported by social welfare.

This is changing where now some boys are looking for courses and want to work.

Need work placements and employers to give them work experience.

More information on how to get into employment and where to find work.....networking.

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Other Issues

Issues Solutions / Suggestions

Aonad Family Resource centre, Ballygar

Low participation levels in community sports and activities (YWI)

Create clear pathways for young Travellers to join community sports groups. Support volunteers/workers to engage more with Traveller youth. Look at where youth are comfortable going and see if links can be supported with local groups. (YWI)

Loughrea Area Traveller Network submission

The group felt in general there was a need for more cultural awareness training in various professions.

Make contact with the universities and colleges and promote the Traveller organisations who will willingly do workshops on Traveller culture and awareness. GTM have done similar work in the city with medicine students.

Adult Education Group, Portumna / Killimor

Sometimes the travellers encounter discrimination when applying for an apartment or services because when they give their name they are identified as maybe 'trouble'. A traveller of same name might have been a bad tenant, so they are refused.

Landlords and service providers should give everyone a chance e.g. a trial period when renting.

Travellers should be treated as individuals the same as settled people and not judged by what some travellers have done in the past.

More awareness of traveller culture among settled community.

Travellers in Tuam submitted by Western Travellers & Intercultural Development

Opportunities for Traveller youth enhanced

� Continue to explore potential of leisure activities e.g. music project, � Continue to develop the boxing club and introduce youth work activities, such as drug and alcohol

awareness and bullying programme � Further develop St Christopher’s Youth Club and Girl’s Zone. � Review the potential of the Drop In centre and time schedule � Re open the Computer Club and develop computer skill with young people � Run summer projects and target 12 -17 year olds � Run Tuam Community Street League during June/July All these projects are in partnership with Traveller Projects National Association of Training Centres, the VEC, and Local partnership youth projects. Some once of funds will be needed for some of these projects.

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