County Kildare Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy 2019-2023 TABLETABLE of of CONTENTS CONTENTS SECTIONSECTION 1: 1: INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION

County Kildare Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy 2019-2023 TABLETABLE OF OF CONTENTS CONTENTS SECTIONSECTION 1: 1: INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION

1 1 IntrIntroductionoduction 33 AsAs Chair Chair of of the the Local Local Community Community Development Development Committee Committee (LCDC) (LCDC) I veryI very much much welcome welcome the the developmentdevelopment of of a a five-year five-year Traveller Traveller and and RomaRoma Inclusion Inclusion Strategy Strategy for for County County Kildare. Kildare. The The 2 2 SStrategictrategic Context Context 66 developmentdevelopment of of this this very very important important strategy strategy has has been been led led by by Co. Co. Kildare Kildare Local Local Community Community 3 3 LocalLocal Context Context 88 DevelopmentDevelopment Committee Committee and and funded funded jointly jointly by by Kildare Kildare County County Council Council and and County County Kildare Kildare LEADERLEADER Partnership Partnership (CKLP). (CKLP). The The LCDC LCDC has has a Locala Local Economic Economic and and Community Community Plan Plan (LECP) (LECP) 2016 2016 4 4 LegislativeLegislative Context Context 1818 - 2021- 2021 which which sets sets out out a anumber number of of social social and and economic economic goals goals and and associated associated objectives objectives and and 5 5 MethodologyMethodology 2020 actionsactions to to be be addressed addressed over over its its lifetime lifetime and and the the development development of of this this Strategy Strategy will will help help to to meet meet objectivesobjectives and and actions actions within within the the LECP. LECP. 6 6 FindingsFindings 2222 7 7 ExamplesExamples of of Best Best Practice Practice 4444 I wouldI would like like to to thank thank the the Inter-Agency Inter-Agency Steering Steering Group Group who who have have overseen overseen the the development development processprocess and and acknowledge acknowledge the the representatives representatives of of both both the the Traveller Traveller and and Roma Roma communities. communities. An An 8 8 ImplementationImplementation 5252 integralintegral part part of of this this process process was was a ahigh high level level of of engagement engagement with with individuals individuals and and families families from from the the 9 9 AActionction Plan Plan 5353 TravellerTraveller and and Roma Roma communities. communities. This This has has been been facilitated facilitated by by the the employment employment of of two two outreach outreach developmentdevelopment workers workers (funded (funded jointly jointly by by Kildare Kildare County County Council Council and and CKLP) CKLP) who who engaged engaged with with 1010 AppendicesAppendices 7070 TravellerTraveller and and Roma Roma individuals individuals and and families. families.

I believeI believe that that the the actions actions included included in in the the strategy strategy are are practical practical and and implementable, implementable, but but they they are are dependentdependent on on the the commitment commitment of of lead lead agencies agencies in in Housing, Housing, Health, Health, Education Education and and Employment Employment adoptingadopting a a coordinated coordinated approach approach to to tackling tackling racism racism and and discrimination. discrimination. Considering Considering the the commitmentcommitment given given by by the the Inter-Agency Inter-Agency Steering Steering Group Group I would I would hope hope that that this this will will be be forthcoming. forthcoming.

FinallyFinally can can I reiterate I reiterate that that the the success success of of this this strategy strategy will will very very much much depend depend on on the the commitment commitment ofof service service providers, providers, businesses, businesses, local local communities communities and and Traveller Traveller and and Roma Roma communities communities to to workwork together together to to tackle tackle discrimination discrimination and and social social exclusion exclusion and and to to promote promote the the full full involvement involvement of of TravellerTraveller and and Roma Roma communities communities in in life life in in County County Kildare, Kildare, respectful respectful of of their their culture culture and and identity. identity.

PeterPeter Carey Carey ChiefChief Executive Executive Kildare Kildare County County Council Council Chair,Chair, Kildare Kildare Local Local Community Community Development Development Committee Committee

2 2 3 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

1 Introduction 3 As Chair of the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) I very much welcome the development of a five-year Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy for County Kildare. The 2 Strategic Context 6 development of this very important strategy has been led by Co. Kildare Local Community 3 Local Context 8 Development Committee and funded jointly by Kildare County Council and County Kildare LEADER Partnership (CKLP). The LCDC has a Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) 2016 4 Legislative Context 18 - 2021 which sets out a number of social and economic goals and associated objectives and 5 Methodology 20 actions to be addressed over its lifetime and the development of this Strategy will help to meet objectives and actions within the LECP. 6 Findings 22 7 Examples of Best Practice 44 I would like to thank the Inter-Agency Steering Group who have overseen the development process and acknowledge the representatives of both the Traveller and Roma communities. An 8 Implementation 52 integral part of this process was a high level of engagement with individuals and families from the 9 Action Plan 53 Traveller and Roma communities. This has been facilitated by the employment of two outreach development workers (funded jointly by Kildare County Council and CKLP) who engaged with 10 Appendices 70 Traveller and Roma individuals and families.

I believe that the actions included in the strategy are practical and implementable, but they are dependent on the commitment of lead agencies in Housing, Health, Education and Employment adopting a coordinated approach to tackling racism and discrimination. Considering the commitment given by the Inter-Agency Steering Group I would hope that this will be forthcoming.

Finally can I reiterate that the success of this strategy will very much depend on the commitment of service providers, businesses, local communities and Traveller and Roma communities to work together to tackle discrimination and social exclusion and to promote the full involvement of Traveller and Roma communities in life in County Kildare, respectful of their culture and identity.

Peter Carey Chief Executive Kildare County Council Chair, Kildare Local Community Development Committee

2 3 INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT DEVELOPING THE STRATEGY

The development of a five-year Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy for County Kildare has In understanding and acknowledging the barriers to inclusion for marginalised groups, the been led by the Kildare Local Development Committee (LCDC) . The LCDC was set up in 2014 strategy development process was underpinned by a set of guiding principles including: as part of a national process of Local Government Reform with a specific focus on achieving • more joined up approaches to community development at a local level. The LCDC has a Local Traveller and Roma people should play a lead role in the development of the strategy, thus Economic and Community Plan (LECP) 2016 - 2021 which sets out a number of social and the process should be underpinned by participatory consultation economic goals and associated objectives and actions to be addressed over its lifetime. The • The success of any strategy will rely on interagency partnership working, therefore development of the Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy will help to meet objectives and statutory, community and voluntary service providers should contribute to the process actions within the LECP. alongside Traveller and Roma people

Funding for the development of the Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy has been • The strategy should focus on achieving outcomes. Those outcomes should be informed made available by Kildare County Council and by County Kildare LEADER Partnership under the by Traveller and Roma people. Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP) The following provides an overview of the steps taken to ensure alignment with the guiding SICAP is the national social inclusion programme focused on the most marginalised in principles: Irish society. It aims to tackle poverty and social exclusion through community development approaches, local engagement and partnership between disadvantaged individuals, community organisations and public sector agencies. The SICAP vision is: Establishment ‘to improve the life chances and opportunities of those who are marginalised of an Inter The development of the Traveller & Roma Inclusion in society, living in poverty or in unemployment through community Agency Steering Strategy for County Kildare has been overseen by an interagency Steering Group which includes representation development approaches, targeted supports and interagency collaboration, Group from the Traveller and Roma communities as well as other where the values of equality and inclusion are promoted, and human rights key stakeholders in the process. are respected’

County Kildare LEADER Partnership has convened an Inter-Agency Steering Group,

contracted researchers and employed two Outreach Community Development Workers Employment of to facilitate engagement with Traveller and Roma communities in the development of this Two Outreach Community Development Workers were strategy. two Outreach appointed in May 2018 and were tasked with engaging with Community Traveller and Roma individuals, families and communities It has been recognised from the outset that meaningful change for and with Traveller and Roma as well as liaising with front line staff employed by service communities will only happen through a multiagency, partnership-based approach. This has Development providers. This process was designed to lead to an been one of the guiding principles in the strategy development process. The membership of the Workers (Traveller enhanced level of engagement with Traveller and Roma Inter Agency Steering Group has involved representatives from: and Roma) communities across County Kildare. This was important in terms of establishing relationships and building trust as a Kildare Local Community Development Committee (Kildare LCDC), Kildare County precursor to a participatory led consultation process. Council, County Kildare LEADER Partnership (CKLP), Kildare Traveller Action (KTA), Pavee Point Traveller & Roma Centre, Citizens Information Service, Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP), Kildare Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB), An Garda Síochana, Kildare County Childcare Committee (Kildare CCC), TUSLA Child and Family Appointment of Agency, National Education & Welfare Board, Health Services Executive (HSE) and Children S3 Solutions to S3 Solutions was appointed by CKLP in May 2018 to and Young People’s Services Committees (CYPSC). facilitate consultation with Traveller and Roma develop the communities, liaise with the interagency steering group, strategy facilitate outcomes focused planning and develop the final strategy document.

4 5 INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT DEVELOPING THE STRATEGY

County Kildare LEADER Partnership has convened an Inter-Agency Steering Group, contracted researchers and employed two Outreach Community Development Workers Employment of to facilitate engagement with Traveller and Roma communities in the development of this Two Outreach Community Development Workers were strategy. two Outreach appointed in May 2018 and were tasked with engaging with Community Traveller and Roma individuals, families and communities It has been recognised from the outset that meaningful change for and with Traveller and Roma as well as liaising with front line staff employed by service communities will only happen through a multiagency, partnership-based approach. This has Development providers. This process was designed to lead to an been one of the guiding principles in the strategy development process. The membership of the Workers (Traveller enhanced level of engagement with Traveller and Roma Inter Agency Steering Group has involved representatives from: and Roma) communities across County Kildare. This was important in terms of establishing relationships and building trust as a Kildare Local Community Development Committee (Kildare LCDC), Kildare County precursor to a participatory led consultation process. Council, County Kildare LEADER Partnership (CKLP), Kildare Traveller Action (KTA), Pavee Point Traveller & Roma Centre, Citizens Information Service, Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP), Kildare Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB), An Garda Síochana, Kildare County Childcare Committee (Kildare CCC), TUSLA Child and Family Appointment of Agency, National Education & Welfare Board, Health Services Executive (HSE) and Children S3 Solutions to S3 Solutions was appointed by CKLP in May 2018 to and Young People’s Services Committees (CYPSC). facilitate consultation with Traveller and Roma develop the communities, liaise with the interagency steering group, strategy facilitate outcomes focused planning and develop the final strategy document.

4 5 NATIONALNATIONAL TRAVELLER TRAVELLER AND AND ROMA ROMA INCLUSIONINCLUSION STRATEGY STRATEGY

The developmentThe development of the ofKildare the Kildare Traveller Traveller and Roma and RomaInclusion Inclusion Strategy Strategy 2019 -2019 2023 - h2023as been has been SECTIONSECTION 2: 2: modelledmodelled on the o frameworkn the framework set out set in theout Nationalin the National Traveller Traveller and Roma and IRomanclusion Inclusion Strategy Strategy 2017 2017 – 2021–. 2T0h2is1 s. trategyThis strategy sits within sits withinthe Department the Department of Justice of Justice and E qualityand Equality and w aasn dd evelopedwas developed STRATEGICSTRATEGIC CONTEXT CONTEXT followingfol lowingsignificant significant consultation consultation and engagement and engagement with Traveller with Traveller and Roma and people.Roma people. N N S S The developmentThe development of the ofati theonal ati onaltrategy trategy involved involved an assessment an assessment of existing of existing structures structures in in place forplace engaging for engaging with and with delivering and delivering positive positive outcomes outcomes for Traveller for Traveller and Roma and communitiesRoma communities This sectionThis section sets out sets the out context the context for the for Kildare the Kildare Traveller Tr avellerand Roma and Roma acrossa Ireland.cross Ireland. After engagementAfter engagement with NGOs, with NGOs, Traveller Traveller and Roma and Romacommunities, communities, and other and other InclusionInclusion Strategy Strategy 2019-2023. 2019-2023. Specificall Specifically, it considersy, it considers the the interestedinterested parties/individuals, parties/individuals, the strategy the strategy promotes promotes a change a change of emphasis of emphasis away fromaway from 1 1 NationalNational Traveller Traveller and Romaand RomaInclusion Inclusion Strategy Strategy 2017-202 2017-202, , integrationintegration and towards and towards inclusion. inclusion. This is Thisframed is fra throughmed through a range a ofrange thematic of thematic priorities, priorities, including: including: as wellas as well providing as providing a local a contextlocal context through through demographic demographic and statisticaland statistical information information for Traveller for Traveller and Roma and Romacommunities communities 1. CULTURAL1. CULTURAL IDENTITY IDENTITY in Countyin County Kildare. Kildare. The section The section also offers also offersa legislative a legislative and policy and policy 2. EDUCA2. EDUCATIONTION contextcontext within whichwithin thewhich strategy the strategy will operate. will operate. 3. EMPLOYME3. EMPLOYMENT ANDNT ANDTHE TRAVELLER THE TRAVELLER ECONOMY ECONOMY 4. CHILDREN4. CHILDREN AND YOANDUTH YOUTH 5. HEALTH5. HEALTH 6. GENDER6. GENDER EQUALITY EQUALITY 7. ANTI-DISCRIMINA7. ANTI-DISCRIMINATIONTION AND ANDEQUALITY EQUALITY 8. ACCOMMOD8. ACCOMMODATIONATION 9. TRAVELLER9. TRAVELLER AND ANDROMA ROMA COMMUNITIES COMMUNITIES 10. PUBLIC10. PUBLIC SERVICES SERVICES

Each ofEa chthe of t htheemes th eamesre supported are supported by h ighby levelhigh objectiveslevel objectives and actions.and actions. The NationalThe National S S trategytrategy has offered has offered a framework a framework and guide and for guide the for development the development of this of counterpart this counterpart strategy strategy in Countyin County Kildare. Kildare. The NationalThe National Strategy Strategy offers offers a strategica strategic view ofview the of key the key issues,issues, challenges challenges and and barriersbarriers to inclusion, to inclusion, whilst thiswhilst this strategystrategy has exploredhas explored how how this canthis be can implemented be implemented in in CountyCounty Kildare Kildare and has and thus has thus focussedfocussed on tangible on tangible delivery delivery for thefor Traveller the Traveller and Roma and Roma communitiescommunities here. here.

6 6 7 7 NATIONAL TRAVELLER AND ROMA INCLUSION STRATEGY

The development of the Kildare Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy 2019 - 2023 has been SECTION 2: modelled on the framework set out in the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy 2017 – 2021. This strategy sits within the Department of Justice and Equality and was developed STRATEGIC CONTEXT following significant consultation and engagement with Traveller and Roma people. N S The development of the ational trategy involved an assessment of existing structures in place for engaging with and delivering positive outcomes for Traveller and Roma communities This section sets out the context for the Kildare Traveller and Roma across Ireland. After engagement with NGOs, Traveller and Roma communities, and other Inclusion Strategy 2019-2023. Specifically, it considers the interested parties/individuals, the strategy promotes a change of emphasis away from 1 National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy 2017-202 , integration and towards inclusion. This is framed through a range of thematic priorities, including: as well as providing a local context through demographic and statistical information for Traveller and Roma communities 1. CULTURAL IDENTITY in County Kildare. The section also offers a legislative and policy 2. EDUCATION context within which the strategy will operate. 3. EMPLOYMENT AND THE TRAVELLER ECONOMY 4. CHILDREN AND YOUTH 5. HEALTH 6. GENDER EQUALITY 7. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION AND EQUALITY 8. ACCOMMODATION 9. TRAVELLER AND ROMA COMMUNITIES 10. PUBLIC SERVICES

Each of the themes are supported by high level objectives and actions. The National S trategy has offered a framework and guide for the development of this counterpart strategy in County Kildare. The National Strategy offers a strategic view of the key issues, challenges and barriers to inclusion, whilst this strategy has explored how this can be implemented in County Kildare and has thus focussed on tangible delivery for the Traveller and Roma communities here.

6 7 SECTIONSECTION 3: 3:LOCAL LOCAL CONTEXT CONTEXT • Housing• Housing tenure tenure is dominated is dominated by owner by owner occupiers occupiers (74%), (74%), with thewith third the thirdhighest highest rate ofrate owner of owner COUNTYCOUNTY KILDARE KILDARE PROFILE PROFILE occupieroccupiers withs awith mortgage a mortgage in the in State. the State. • Kildare• Kildare has relativelyhas relatively low levels low levels of people of people living living in social in social housing housing but high but highnumbers numbers of people of people on theon s theocial s ocialhousing housing list (6,585 list (6,585 applicants applicants representing representing 16,506 16,506 people). people). LocatedLocated in the in province the province of Leinster of Leinster and partand ofpart the of Mid- the Mid- • • East East Region, Region, Kildare Kildare is bordered is bordered by Counties by Counties Carlow, Carlow, KildareKildare has ahas relatively a relatively well-educated well-educated population, population, with with 38% 38% having having a third a third level level degree degree or or Laois,Laois, Meath, Meath, Offaly, Offaly, Dublin Dublin and andWicklow. Wicklow. higherhigher, the , fifth the fifth highest highest rate rate in the in State.the State. Rates Rates are are highest highest in inthe themain main urban urban centresof centresof MaynoothMaynooth (Maynooth (Maynooth University), University), Naas, Naas, Newbridge Newbridge and Celbridgeand Celbridge with withmuch much lower lower rates rates in in CountyCounty Kildare Kildare has a has population a population of 222,504 of 222,504 (Census, (Census, the wtheest w andest south-westand south-west of the of county. the county. 2016)2016) and isand marginally is marginally above above average average with awith deprivation a deprivation • The• numbersThe numbers on the on social the social housing housing waiting waiting list increased list increased 20% 20% (1,130) (1,130) from from2013-2015. 2013-2015. Only Only level levelof 3.12 of 3.12in relation in relation to other to other Counties Counties in Ireland in Ireland (Pobal, (Pobal, DublinDublin and Corkand Cork have have higher higher numbers numbers of people of people in receipt in receipt of rent of supplement.rent supplement. Over Over 67% 67% of of 2016).2016). the 4,135the 4,135 people people from frKildareom Kildare in receipt in receipt of rent of supplementrent supplement are long are longterm termrecipients. recipients. WithinWithin County County Kildare, Kildare, there there are 88 are electoral 88 electoral divisions. divisions. • There• There are 105 are Primary105 Primary schools schools in Kildare in Kildare (28,344 (28,344 students), students), primarily primarily of a Catholicof a Catholic ethos ethos (89) (89) 38 of38 the of electoralthe electoral divisions divisions have have below below average average with withthe remainderthe remainder being being Church Church of Ireland of Ireland (7) and (7) andMultidenominational Multidenominational (9). Kildare (9). Kildare has ahas a levelslevels of deprivation, of deprivation, with withsome some being being categorised categorised high highaverage average class class size, thesize, ninth the ninth highest highest in the in State, the State, with 25%with 25% of primary of primary school school students students in in as disadvantaged,as disadvantaged, such such as Athy as AthyWest West Urban Urban with witha a classclass sizes siz ofes 30 of students. 30 students. deprivationdeprivation level level of -16.83 of -16.83 and andKilberry Kilberry with with -11.64 -11.64 • • (Pobal,(Pobal, 2016). 2016). KildareKildare has 10 has DEIS 10 DEIS post postprimary primary designated designated schools, schools, the seventh the seventh lowest lowest in the in State. the State. • Over• Over 37% 37% of Kildare of Kildare total totalpopulation population (77,832) (77,832) are aged are aged ‘0-24’ ‘0-24’ year. year.This Thisis the is highest the highest rate inrate in CountyCounty Kildare’s Kildare’s male male unemployment unemployment rate is rate 12.52 is 12.52 and female and female the Sthetate S andtate isand also is considerablyalso considerably higher higher than thanthe average the average for the for Eastern the Eastern & Midlands & Midlands Region. Region. unemploymentunemployment rate israte 11.70, is 11.70, considerably considerably higher higher than thanthe national the national average average of 9.8 of for 9.8 males for males and and 7.1 for7.1 females for females (Census, (Census, 2016). 2016).

12.39%12.39% of the of population the population of County of County Kildare Kildare have have attained attained primary primary education education only onlyand 33.22%and 33.22% ROMAROMA COMMUNITY COMMUNITY havehave attained attained third thirdlevel leveleducation education in 2016 in 2016 (Pobal, (Pobal, 2016) 2016) which which is lower is lower than thanthe national the national average average of 49%of 49% (Census, (Census, 2016). 2016). RomaRoma people people have have a long a longhistory history of living of living in Europe in Europe with awith presence a presence recorded recorded from fromthe 13th the 13th Century. Century. In relationIn relation to the to population’s the population’s health health in County in County Kildare, Kildare, 90.4% 90.4% stated stated that theythat theyhave have good good or very or very The termThe term‘Roma’ ‘Roma’ is believed is believed to be to first be firstchosen chosen at the at inaugural the inaugural World WorldRomani Romani Congress Congress held inheld London in London goodgood health, health, which which was higherwas higher than thanthe national the national average average of 88.3%. of 88.3%. Only Only1.3% 1.3% stated stated that theythat they in 1971.in 1971. This termThis termis now is widelynow widely accepted accepted across across the European the European Union Union (EU) to (EU) describe to describe a diverse a diverse range range havehave bad orbad very or verybad healthbad health compared compared to the to national the national average average of 1.5% of 1.5% (Census, (Census, 2016). 2016). of communities,of communities, tribes tribes and clans.and clans. • • The CountyThe County has exceptional has1 exceptional1 ly lowly l evelslow levels of health of health services, services, Gard Gara numbersda numbers and and pre-schoolpre-school facilities facilities “Roma“Roma are arethe thelargest largest trans-national trans-national minority minority in Europe. in Europe. Many Many of the of theestimated estimated • Ki•ldare’s Kildare’s economic economic base base shows shows a very a vcerylear c trendlear trend of inward of inward inves investmentmet in smallnt in small local local 10-1210-12 million million Roma Roma population population in Europein Europe face face prejudice, prejudice, intolerance, intolerance, companicompanies (lesses (lessthan than10 employee 10 employees) ands) aandn outward an outward trend trend of comparatively of comparatively high high discriminationdiscrimination and and social social exclusion exclusion in their in their daily daily lives. lives. Increasingly, Increasingly, the situationthe situation depedndenceependence on a onsmall a small number number of FDI of’s FDI and’s foreignand foreign owned owned companies. companies. of Romaof Roma has hasbecome become the thesubject subject of politicalof political attention, attention, particularly particularly from from the the • Ki•ldare Kildare has a has notably a notably high highnumber number of active of active workers workers living living in the in count the county, withy, awith a EuropeanEuropean Commission” Commission” (Mapping (Mapping the Roma the Roma Community Community in Scotland, in Scotland, 2013). 2013). comparativelycomparatively high highproport proportion goioingn go toing work to work outside outside the count the county. y. • • inwardinward The EuropeanThe European Commission Commission and theand Council the Council of Europe of Europe tend tendto use to “Roma”use “Roma” as an as umbrella an umbrella term termto to KildareKildare also hasalso high has highlevels levels of of migration migration of workers of workers from fro outsm ideouts theide count the county, y, refer refer to a to number a number of different of different groups groups (such (such as asRoma, Roma, Sinti, Sinti, Kale, Kale, Gypsies, Gypsies, Romanichals, Romanichals, Boyash, Boyash, particularlyparticularly . . withinwithin the FDI the and FDI foreignand foreign owned owned com paniescompanies located located here here Ashkali,Ashkali, Egyptians, Egyptians, Yenish, Yenish, Dom Dom and Lom) and Lom) and also and includealso include Travellers, Travellers, without without denying denying the specificities the specificities • Th•ere T hareere three are three times times more more non-I nrion-Ish nationalsrish nationals in urban in urban Kildare Kildare than thanin rural in ruralKildare. Kildare. and varietiesand varieties of lifestyles of lifestyles and situationsand situations of these of these groups. groups. A press A press release release by the by Fundamental the Fundamental Rights Rights AgencyAgency (on 29 (on November 29 November 2016) 2016) noted noted that 80%that 80% of Roma of Roma interviewed interviewed are at are risk at of risk poverty of poverty compared compared with anwith EU an average EU average of 17%. of 17%.

1 KILDARE1 KILDARE LOCAL ECONOMICLOCAL ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY & COMMUNITY PLAN 2016 PLAN – 2021 2016 SOCIO – 2021 ECONOMIC SOCIO ECONOMIC STATEMENT STATEMENT 2015 2015

8 8 9 9 SECTION 3: LOCAL CONTEXT • Housing tenure is dominated by owner occupiers (74%), with the third highest rate of owner COUNTY KILDARE PROFILE occupiers with a mortgage in the State. • Kildare has relatively low levels of people living in social housing but high numbers of people on the social housing list (6,585 applicants representing 16,506 people). Located in the province of Leinster and part of the Mid- • East Region, Kildare is bordered by Counties Carlow, Kildare has a relatively well-educated population, with 38% having a third level degree or Laois, Meath, Offaly, Dublin and Wicklow. higher, the fifth highest rate in the State. Rates are highest in the main urban centresof Maynooth (Maynooth University), Naas, Newbridge and Celbridge with much lower rates in County Kildare has a population of 222,504 (Census, the west and south-west of the county. 2016) and is marginally above average with a deprivation • The numbers on the social housing waiting list increased 20% (1,130) from 2013-2015. Only level of 3.12 in relation to other Counties in Ireland (Pobal, Dublin and Cork have higher numbers of people in receipt of rent supplement. Over 67% of 2016). the 4,135 people from Kildare in receipt of rent supplement are long term recipients. Within County Kildare, there are 88 electoral divisions. • There are 105 Primary schools in Kildare (28,344 students), primarily of a Catholic ethos (89) 38 of the electoral divisions have below average with the remainder being Church of Ireland (7) and Multidenominational (9). Kildare has a levels of deprivation, with some being categorised high average class size, the ninth highest in the State, with 25% of primary school students in as disadvantaged, such as Athy West Urban with a class sizes of 30 students. deprivation level of -16.83 and Kilberry with -11.64 • (Pobal, 2016). Kildare has 10 DEIS post primary designated schools, the seventh lowest in the State. • Over 37% of Kildare total population (77,832) are aged ‘0-24’ year. This is the highest rate in County Kildare’s male unemployment rate is 12.52 and female the State and is also considerably higher than the average for the Eastern & Midlands Region. unemployment rate is 11.70, considerably higher than the national average of 9.8 for males and 7.1 for females (Census, 2016).

12.39% of the population of County Kildare have attained primary education only and 33.22% ROMA COMMUNITY have attained third level education in 2016 (Pobal, 2016) which is lower than the national average of 49% (Census, 2016). Roma people have a long history of living in Europe with a presence recorded from the 13th Century. In relation to the population’s health in County Kildare, 90.4% stated that they have good or very The term ‘Roma’ is believed to be first chosen at the inaugural World Romani Congress held in London good health, which was higher than the national average of 88.3%. Only 1.3% stated that they in 1971. This term is now widely accepted across the European Union (EU) to describe a diverse range have bad or very bad health compared to the national average of 1.5% (Census, 2016). of communities, tribes and clans. • The County has exceptional1 ly low levels of health services, Garda numbers and pre-school facilities “Roma are the largest trans-national minority in Europe. Many of the estimated • Kildare’s economic base shows a very clear trend of inward investment in small local 10-12 million Roma population in Europe face prejudice, intolerance, companies (less than 10 employees) and an outward trend of comparatively high discrimination and social exclusion in their daily lives. Increasingly, the situation dependence on a small number of FDI’s and foreign owned companies. of Roma has become the subject of political attention, particularly from the • Kildare has a notably high number of active workers living in the county, with a European Commission” (Mapping the Roma Community in Scotland, 2013). comparatively high proportion going to work outside the county. • inward The European Commission and the Council of Europe tend to use “Roma” as an umbrella term to Kildare also has high levels of migration of workers from outside the county, refer to a number of different groups (such as Roma, Sinti, Kale, Gypsies, Romanichals, Boyash, particularly . within the FDI and foreign owned companies located here Ashkali, Egyptians, Yenish, Dom and Lom) and also include Travellers, without denying the specificities • There are three times more non-Irish nationals in urban Kildare than in rural Kildare. and varieties of lifestyles and situations of these groups. A press release by the Fundamental Rights Agency (on 29 November 2016) noted that 80% of Roma interviewed are at risk of poverty compared with an EU average of 17%.

1 KILDARE LOCAL ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY PLAN 2016 – 2021 SOCIO ECONOMIC STATEMENT 2015

8 9 The Roma communityThe Roma community in Ireland consists in Ireland of consists persons offrom persons a range from of European a range of countries European including countries including The 2018 The Pavee 2018 Point Pavee report Point estimated report estimatedapproximately approximately 2615 Roma 2615 living Roma in the living province in the of province of Romania, Hungary,Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland Slovakia, and Poland the Czech and theRepublic. Czech Roma Republic. people Roma have people the same have rights the same rights Leinster, 1500Leinster, of which 1500 are of believed which are to believed reside in to Dublin. reside This in Dublin. leaves This approximately leaves approximately 1115 across 1115 across and entitlementsand entitlements as any other as European any other Union European citizen Union when citizen in Ireland. when in Ireland. the remainingthe 11remaining Counties 11 in Counties Leinster in Leinster

It is challengingIt is challenging to quantify to the quantify number the of number Roma living of Roma in Ireland, living as in Ireland, migrants as are migrants counted are in counted in The NationalThe Needs National Assessment Needs Assessment by Pavee Point by Pavee Traveller Point & RomaTraveller Centre & Roma 2018 Centre engaged 2018 Roma engaged Roma relation to theirrelation nationality to their nationalityrather than rather their ethnic than their background. ethnic background. There are noThere official are no statistics official onstatistics on people andpeople relevant and stakeholders relevant stakeholders in examining in examining Roma experiences Roma experiences across a wide across range a wide of range of the numberthe of numberRoma in of Ireland, Roma but in Ireland, it is estimated but it is toestimated be in the to region be in theof 3,000 region – of5,000 3,000 (National – 5,000 (National thematic areasthematic that alignareas with that the align EU with Framework the EU Framework and indeed and the indeed National the Strategy National for Strategy Traveller for Traveller Traveller andTraveller Roma and Inclusion Roma Strategy Inclusion 2017-2021). Strategy 2017-2021). The image The below image provides below a provides provincial a provincial and Roma Inclusion,and Roma the Inclusion, findings the included findings the included following: the following: estimated breakdownestimated breakdown of the Roma of population the Roma populationin Ireland. in Ireland. 81.1%81.1% 77.5%77.5% of respondentsof respondents of respondentsof respondents reported beingreported stopped being by stopped by reported havingreported felt having felt An Garda SíochánaAn Garda Síochána discriminateddiscriminated against in againstthe in the for ID. for ID. street / publicstreet setting / public setting

Women Women It was reportedIt was that reported that were identifiedwere identified as as particularlyparticularly vulnerable vulnerable 49.5% 49.5% 25%25% to racist abuseto racist abuse Not alwaysNot always Children goneChildren to gone to enough foodenough food school hungryschool hungry 46.2%46.2% Not alwaysNot always 50%50% enough fuelenough fuel did not havedid a not medical have a medical card card

(Roma in Ireland:(Roma A in National Ireland: NeedsA National Assessment: Needs Assessment: page 42) page 42) Those whoThose did not who have did not have39% 39% The Roma Thecommunity Roma community in Ireland face in Ireland a range face of achallenges, range of challenges, particularly particularly in relation toin racismrelation and to racism and enough moneyenough for money books for books of respondentsof respondents 25.7%25.7% discrimination,discrimination, this was highlighted this was highlighted in a 2018 inreport a 2018 by Pavee report Point by Pavee Traveller Point & Traveller Roma Centre & Roma Centre and uniformsand were uniforms were entitled ‘Romaentitled in Ireland: ‘Roma inA NationalIreland: A Needs National Assessment’. Needs Assessment’. In addition, In the addition, Roma the Community Roma Community did not havedid not have were reportedwere as reported not being as not being experienceexperience exceptionally exceptionally challenging challenging issues when issues seeking when to accessseeking Social to access Welfare Social supports Welfare due supports due access to aaccess GP to a GP habitually habituallyresident resident to the Habitualto the Residency Habitual ResidencyCondition (HRC)Condition2 and (HRC) difficulties2 and difficulties accessing accessingSocial Housing Social Support Housing Support 57.5%57.5% due to residencydue to requirementsresidency requirements and changes and in changes local housing in local policies. housing The policies. Habitual The Residency Habitual Residency Condition (HRC)Condition is a (HRC) condition is a that condition you must that satisfyyou must in order satisfy to in be order eligible to be for eligible certain for social certain social Of respondentsOf respondents who who welfare paymentswelfare andpayments entitlements and entitlements in Ireland. If inyou Ireland. do not If youhave do a legalnot have right a of legal residence right of in residence Ireland, in Ireland, applied forapplied social for social you will notyou be willregarded not be as regarded habitually as resident. habitually You resident. must beYou habitually must be resident habitually on resident the date on you the date you 25.5%25.5% 16.7%16.7% protectionprotection of adults inof households adults in households were were make an applicationmake an application and you must and remain you must habitually remain resident habitually in theresident State in after the Stateyour application. after your application. It is It is of respondentsof respondents 48.1%48.1% reported asreported not having as not the having right the right exceptionallyexceptionally difficult for difficult the Roma for communitythe Roma community who may not who have may a “papernot have trail” a “paper or documentation trail” or documentation reported thatreported they that they to substantiateto substantiate the length of the time length they of have time been they inhave the been country in the to verifycountry their to residencyverify their status residency and status and to reside to reside were not successfulwere not successful are in employment.are in employment. therefore meettherefore the requirements meet the requirements of the Habitual of the Residence Habitual ResidenceCondition. Condition.

2 Most migrant Roma2 Most persons migrant have Roma an automatic persons have right an to automatic reside in the right State to reside as EU in citizens the State for as EUlong citizens as they for are as self-sufficient. long as they are Theyself-sufficient. are also entitled They to are seek also entitled to seek work without a workwork permit. without EU acitizens work permit. residing EU in citizens any Member residing State in any do Membernot have State an automatic do not have right an to automatic access social right assistance to access socialthere unlessassistance they thereenjoy unless they enjoy EU worker status andEU worker rights. statusIreland and is not rights. an exception. Ireland is notAll claims an exception. for means All claimstested socialfor means assistance tested socialpayments assistance are subject payments to assessment are subject of tothe assessment Habitual of the Habitual The infographicThe infographic above is based above on is informationbased on information provided in provided Roma in in Ireland: Roma Ain NationalIreland: ANeeds National Needs Residency ConditionResidency (HRC) regardless Condition of(HRC) the individual’sregardless ofethnicity the individual’s or nationality. ethnicity For orinformation nationality. on For HRC information on the Web. on See:HRC http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/on the Web. See: http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/ Assessment,Assessment, Pavee Point Pavee Traveller Point and Traveller Roma Centre,and Roma 2018. Centre, 2018. Habitual-Residence-Condition_holder.aspxHabitual-Residence-Condition_holder.aspx Citizens InformationCitizens website Information explains the website residence explains requirements the residence for socialrequirements assistance for socialin Ireland, assistance in the context in Ireland, of the in the national context and of EU the law national on Habitual and EU law on Habitual Residence ConditionResidence here: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/irish_social_welfare_system/social_assistance_payments/residency_require Condition here: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/irish_social_welfare_system/social_assistance_payments/residency_require- - ments_for_social_assistance_in_ireland.htmlments_for_social_assistance_in_ireland.html

10 10 11 11 The Roma community in Ireland consists of persons from a range of European countries including The 2018 Pavee Point report estimated approximately 2615 Roma living in the province of Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland and the Czech Republic. Roma people have the same rights Leinster, 1500 of which are believed to reside in Dublin. This leaves approximately 1115 across and entitlements as any other European Union citizen when in Ireland. the remaining 11 Counties in Leinster

It is challenging to quantify the number of Roma living in Ireland, as migrants are counted in The National Needs Assessment by Pavee Point Traveller & Roma Centre 2018 engaged Roma relation to their nationality rather than their ethnic background. There are no official statistics on people and relevant stakeholders in examining Roma experiences across a wide range of the number of Roma in Ireland, but it is estimated to be in the region of 3,000 – 5,000 (National thematic areas that align with the EU Framework and indeed the National Strategy for Traveller Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021). The image below provides a provincial and Roma Inclusion, the findings included the following: estimated breakdown of the Roma population in Ireland. 81.1% 77.5% of respondents of respondents reported being stopped by reported having felt An Garda Síochána discriminated against in the for ID. street / public setting

Women It was reported that were identified as particularly vulnerable 49.5% 25% to racist abuse Not always Children gone to enough food school hungry 46.2% Not always 50% enough fuel did not have a medical card

(Roma in Ireland: A National Needs Assessment: page 42) Those who did not have 39% The Roma community in Ireland face a range of challenges, particularly in relation to racism and enough money for books of respondents 25.7% discrimination, this was highlighted in a 2018 report by Pavee Point Traveller & Roma Centre and uniforms were entitled ‘Roma in Ireland: A National Needs Assessment’. In addition, the Roma Community did not have were reported as not being experience exceptionally challenging issues when seeking to access Social Welfare supports due access to a GP habitually resident to the Habitual Residency Condition (HRC)2 and difficulties accessing Social Housing Support 57.5% due to residency requirements and changes in local housing policies. The Habitual Residency Condition (HRC) is a condition that you must satisfy in order to be eligible for certain social Of respondents who welfare payments and entitlements in Ireland. If you do not have a legal right of residence in Ireland, applied for social you will not be regarded as habitually resident. You must be habitually resident on the date you 25.5% 16.7% protection of adults in households were make an application and you must remain habitually resident in the State after your application. It is of respondents 48.1% reported as not having the right exceptionally difficult for the Roma community who may not have a “paper trail” or documentation reported that they to substantiate the length of time they have been in the country to verify their residency status and to reside were not successful are in employment. therefore meet the requirements of the Habitual Residence Condition.

2 Most migrant Roma persons have an automatic right to reside in the State as EU citizens for as long as they are self-sufficient. They are also entitled to seek work without a work permit. EU citizens residing in any Member State do not have an automatic right to access social assistance there unless they enjoy EU worker status and rights. Ireland is not an exception. All claims for means tested social assistance payments are subject to assessment of the Habitual The infographic above is based on information provided in Roma in Ireland: A National Needs Residency Condition (HRC) regardless of the individual’s ethnicity or nationality. For information on HRC on the Web. See: http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/ Assessment, Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre, 2018. Habitual-Residence-Condition_holder.aspx Citizens Information website explains the residence requirements for social assistance in Ireland, in the context of the national and EU law on Habitual Residence Condition here: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/irish_social_welfare_system/social_assistance_payments/residency_require- ments_for_social_assistance_in_ireland.html

10 11 TRAVELLERTRAVELLER COMMUNITY COMMUNITY

AccordingAccording to the 2011to the census, 2011 census, there were there around were around 29,500 29,500 Irish Tr avellersIrish Travellers living inliving Ireland, in Ir eland, this equat this esequat to es 0.6% to o 0.6%f the ooverf thea ll overpopulation.all population. The TravTheel lerTr avcommuniteller community can bey c alocatn beed locat acredoss acr theoss Countr the Country with y with the highestthe h ighestnumber numbers livings in living Count in yCount Galway yG aandlwa yS outhand SDublinouth Dublin accordingaccor toding a report to a reportentitled entitled ‘A Brief ‘A Histor Brief yHistor of Irishy o f T ravellers-Irish Travellers- IrelandIreland's Only 'sIndigenous Only Indigenous Minority’ Minority’ (Culture (Culture Trip 2017). Tripii i2017).iii

The 2017The C2017ultur eC Tulturrip reporte Trip reportstates statthates ‘Thr thatoughout ‘Throughout Irish h istorIrishy h, istory, the Travtheelling Trav communitelling community has beeny has mark beenedly mark separatedly separated fromed the from the generalgeneral Irish population, Irish population, resulting resulting in widespread in widespread stereotyping stereotyping and disancrimination.d discrimination. The same The sameyear asyear the as census, the census, a survey a survey conductconducted by eIrde land’sby Ire land’sEconomic Economic and S ocial and SResocialear Resch earInstitutech Institute found thatfound Irish that Travellers Irish Travellers suffer sufferwidespread widespread ostracism.’ ostracism.’

The issuesThe issuesfacing facingthe Traveller the Traveller community community are well are documented well documented within thewithin national the national Traveller Traveller and and Roma InclusionRoma Inclusion Strategy Strategy 2017 – 2017 2021 – (Department 2021 (Department of Justice of Justice and Equality, and Equality, 2017). 2017).For example: For example: • Irish• Travellers Irish Travellers have an have average an average of five ofchildren five children compared compared to a national to a national average average of three of three childrenchildren

• The• suicide The suicide rate is almostrate is almost seven seventimes highertimes higheramong among Traveller Traveller males malesthan in than the general in the general populationpopulation

• Allowing• Allowing for differences for differences in age inbetween age between adult Travellers adult Travellers and the and general the general adult population,adult population, TravellerTra mortalityveller mortality is 3.5 times is 3.5 highertimes higherthan non-travellers than non-travellers overall, overall, while infant while mortality infant mortality is is 3.6 times3.6 highertimes higheramong among Travellers Travellers

• The• average The average expected expected age of agea Traveller of a Traveller man is man 61.7 is years, 61.7 comparedyears, compared to the nationalto the national averageaver of age76.8. of Traveller 76.8. Traveller women women have a havelife expectancy a life expectancy of 70.1, of compared 70.1, compared to the nationalto the national averageaver of age81.6 of 81.6

• 66.7%• 66.7% of service of service providers providers believe believe that Travellers that Travellers experience experience discrimination discrimination in their in use their of use of health healthservices. services.

• 13%• of 13% Traveller of Traveller children children complete complete second second level education, level education, compared compared to 92% to in 92% the in the settledsettled community community

• Over• two Over thirds two (67.3%)thirds (67.3%) of Traveller of Traveller children children lived in lived families in families where wherethe mother the mother had either had either no formalno formaleducation education or only or primar only yprimar educationy education (Department (Department of Health of Healthand Children, and Children, 2012).2012). of of • The• Irish The Prison Irish PrisonService Service Traveller Traveller Census Census (2008) (2008)estimated estimated a Traveller a Traveller population population of 320 of 320 The mapThe above map above provides provides an illustration an illustration of the of rates the rates T raveller Tra populationsveller populations within within and and (299 male(299 prisoners male prisoners and 21 and female 21 f emaleprisoners) prisoners) which representswhich represents 8.7% of 8.7% the prisonof the prison acrossa thecross Kildare the Kildare Small AreasSmall Areas(SAs). There(SAs). Thereis a very is aclear very spatial clear spatialpattern pattern with highest with highest rates in rates in populationpopulation (despite (despite Travellers Travellers representing representing less than less 1% than of the1% totalof the population) total population) areas ofareas Newbridge of Newbridge and Kildare and Kildare and also and in alsopockets in pockets close to close Celbrid to Cege,lbrid Maynoothge, Maynooth and Ath andy. Athy.

AccordingAccording to the to 2016 the 2016 Census, Census, (Kildare (Kildare County County Council, Council, LCDC, LCDC, 2016 2016 Census Census Profile Profile In comparisonIn comparison to local to authorities local authorities, Kildare, Kildare has the has 10th the lowest 10th lowest number number of Travellers of Travellers in the Statein the State DemographicsDemographics 2016iv )2016 the totaliv) the number total number of Travellers of Travellers residing residing in Kildare in Kildare was 739 was and 739 represents and represents and theand 3rd the lowest 3rd lowestrate w ithrate only with Dún only Laoghaire-Rathdown Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (0.2%) (0.2%)Cork County Cork County (0.3%) (0.3%)a lower a lower 0.3% of0.3% the totalof the population. total population. This rate This is lowerrate is than lower the than State the average State average (0.7%), (0.7%), EMRA EMRA(0.6%) (0.6%)and the and the proportionproportion of Traveller of Traveller population. population. EasternEastern SPA average SPA average of 0.5%. of 0.5%.

12 12 13 13 TRAVELLER COMMUNITY Ethnicity - Irish Travellers, 2016

According to the 2011 census, there were around 29,500 Irish Travellers living in Ireland, this equates to 0.6% of the overall population. The Traveller community can be located across the Country with the highest numbers living in County Galway and South Dublin according to a report entitled ‘A Brief History of Irish Travellers- Ireland's Only Indigenous Minority’ (Culture Trip 2017).iii

The 2017 Culture Trip report states that ‘Throughout Irish history, the Travelling community has been markedly separated from the general Irish population, resulting in widespread stereotyping and discrimination. The same year as the census, a survey conducted by Ireland’s Economic and Social Research Institute found that Irish Travellers suffer widespread ostracism.’

The issues facing the Traveller community are well documented within the national Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy 2017 – 2021 (Department of Justice and Equality, 2017). For example: • Irish Travellers have an average of five children compared to a national average of three children

• The suicide rate is almost seven times higher among Traveller males than in the general population

• Allowing for differences in age between adult Travellers and the general adult population, Traveller mortality is 3.5 times higher than non-travellers overall, while infant mortality is 3.6 times higher among Travellers

• The average expected age of a Traveller man is 61.7 years, compared to the national average of 76.8. Traveller women have a life expectancy of 70.1, compared to the national average of 81.6

• 66.7% of service providers believe that Travellers experience discrimination in their use of health services.

• 13% of Traveller children complete second level education, compared to 92% in the settled community

• Over two thirds (67.3%) of Traveller children lived in families where the mother had either no formal education or only primary education (Department of Health and Children, Map 15.1: Travellers, 2016 2012). of • The Irish Prison Service Traveller Census (2008) estimated a Traveller population of 320 The map above provides an illustration of the rates Traveller populations within and (299 male prisoners and 21 female prisoners) which represents 8.7% of the prison across the Kildare Small Areas (SAs). There is a very clear spatial pattern with highest rates in population (despite Travellers representing less than 1% of the total population) areas of Newbridge and Kildare and also in pockets close to Celbridge, Maynooth and Athy.

According to the 2016 Census, (Kildare County Council, LCDC, 2016 Census Profile In comparison to local authorities, Kildare has the 10th lowest number of Travellers in the State Demographics 2016iv) the total number of Travellers residing in Kildare was 739 and represents and the 3rd lowest rate with only Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (0.2%) Cork County (0.3%) a lower 0.3% of the total population. This rate is lower than the State average (0.7%), EMRA (0.6%) and the proportion of Traveller population. Eastern SPA average of 0.5%.

12 13 Since 2011,Since the 2011, total the number total number of Travellers of Travellers residing residing in Kildare in hasKildare decreased has decreased from a totalfrom of a 874total of 874 TRAVELLERTRAVELLER & ROMA & ROMA INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE (-15.4%)(-15.4%) when the when rate the was rate 0.42%. was In0.42%. contrast, In contrast, the Traveller the Traveller population population in Ireland in increasedIreland increased by by +5.1% since+5.1% 2011. since At 2011. the Municipal At the Municipal District Districtlevel there level are there clear are differences clear differences with both with the both Athy the Athy MD andMD Kildare/Newbridge and Kildare/Newbridge MD with MD the with highest the highestrates at rates0.5%. at Across 0.5%. Acrossthe settlement the settlement hierarchy hierarchy there arethere some are locations some locations with no with Traveller no Traveller populations populations at all whereas at all whereas highest highest rates are rates then are then During theDuring development the development of this strategy,of this strategy, it became it became apparent apparent that there that is therelimited is communitylimited community recordedrecorded in Athy (1%)in Athy and (1%) Kilmeague and Kilmeague (0.8%). However, (0.8%). However, census censusfigures figuresare likely are to likelyunderestimate to underestimate infrastructureinfrastructure in County in County Kildare Kildare to support to support the Traveller the Traveller community community and no and community no community the actualthe numbers actual numbers of Travellers of Travellers in the county. in the county. infrastructureinfrastructure in place into place support to support the Roma the community. Roma community. KILDAREKILDARE TRAVELLER TRAVELLER ACTION ACTION The DraftThe Traveller Draft Traveller Accommodation Accommodation Programme Programme 2019-2024 2019-2024 (Kildare (KildareCounty CountyCouncil) Council) estimates estimates 302 families,302 families, accounting accounting for 1026 for people 1026 peopleas at 2018. as at The 2018. report The indicates report indicates that the that Traveller the Traveller Kildare TravellerKildare Traveller Action (KTA)Action is (KTA)a community is a community development development organisation organisation which aims which to aimspromote to promote populationpopulation is a young is a population young population with increasing with increasing numbers numbers of new and of new growing and growing families. families. equalityequality and human and rightshuman for rights Travellers for Travellers in County in CountyKildare. Kildare.The project The projectwas originally was originally formed formedas as Naas EqualityNaas Equality for Travellers for Travellers in 1998, in became 1998, became a county a widecounty group wide - groupKildare - TravellerKildare Traveller Network Network - in - in Since 2008Since there 2008 has there been has a beendramatic a dramatic disinvestment disinvestment by the stateby the in statethe Traveller in the Traveller community. community. 2000 and2000 incorporated and incorporated as Kildare as TravellerKildare Traveller Action LimitedAction Limitedin 2006. in Since 2006. then Since Kildare then TravellerKildare Traveller Using theUsing government’s the government’s own figures, own figures, it is possible it is possible to identify to identifythe scale the of scalethe austerityof the austerity cuts, as cuts, as Action hasAction operated has operated as a Company as a Company Limited Limitedby Guarantee, by Guarantee, based in based Newbridge in Newbridge and operating and operating on on outlinedoutlined below, however below, however these cuts these should cuts beshould compared be compared to the overall to the reduction overall reduction in government in government a county-widea county-wide basis. The basis. Company The Company is governed is governed by eight by Directors eight Directors with membership with membership drawn from drawn from current spendingcurrent spending of -4.3% of over -4.3% period over between period between 2008-2013: 2008-2013: both theboth Traveller the Traveller and settled and communitiessettled communities in County in CountyKildare, OlderKildare, Voices Older Kildare,Voices KildareKildare, &Kildare West & West WicklowWicklow Education Education & Training & TrainingBoard and Board County and CountyKildare LEADERKildare LEADER Partnership. Partnership. As a local As Traveller a local Traveller ProgrammesProgrammes for Travellers for Travellers Interagency Interagency activities activities -100% -100% organisation,organisation, it is affiliated it is affiliated to the Nationalto the IrishNational Traveller Irish Traveller Movement. Movement. TravellerTraveller education education - 86.6% - 86.6% TravellerTraveller accommodation accommodation - 85% - 85% KTA’s visionKTA’s is vision “an Ireland is “an whereIreland Travellers where Travellers are recognised are recognised and valued and asvalued a distinct as a distinctethnic group ethnic group EqualityEquality - 76.3% - 76.3% and are andparticipating are participating and benefiting and benefiting fully and fully equally and inequally an intercultural in an intercultural society.” society.” NationalNational Traveller Traveller organisations organisations - 63.6% - 63.6% FAS SpecialFAS SpecialInitiative Initiative for Travellers for Travellers - 50% - 50% Among Amongits activities its activities and achievements and achievements are the following:are the following: NationalNational Traveller Traveller Partnership Partnership - 32.1% - 32.1% • Outreach• Outreach work with work Travellers with Travellers throughout throughout the county the (ongoingcounty (ongoing since 2000) since 2000) TravellerTraveller SPY youth SPY projects youth projects - 29.8% - 29.8% Health1Health1 - 5.4% - 5.4% • Information,• Information, Support Support & Advocacy & Advocacy Project inProject which in Travellers which Travellers are enabled are enabled to uptake to variousuptake various ProgrammesProgrammes and funding and fundinglines of importancelines of importance to Travellers to Travellers Equality Equality and rights and agencies rights agencies - 69% - 69% mainstreammainstr serviceseam services and programmes. and programmes. Local & LocalCommunity & Community Development Development Programme Programme - 42.3% - 42.3% • • InitiativesInitiatives against againstdrugs - 32.5%drugs - 32.5% DevelopmentDevelopment programmes programmes with Traveller with Traveller women womenin North-East in North-East Kildare (covering Kildare (covering Maynooth,Ma ynooth,Leixlip, Kilcock Leixlip, Kilcockand Celbridge and Celbridge areas), Athy areas), and Athy Newbridge/Naas/Sallins. and Newbridge/Naas/Sallins. Over Over One of theOne most of the striking most strikingaspects aspects of these of cuts these was cuts that was statutory that statutory agencies agencies did not evendid not spend even spend 150 women150 whaveomen taken have part taken in these part in programmes these programmes (2004-2019) (2004-2019) all their allocations,all their allocations, so the picture so the ispicture even moreis even difficult. more difficult. This is a Thistable is ofa tablethe proportions of the proportions actually actually • Media• and Media PR workand PR through work through radio interviews, radio interviews, newspaper newspaper articles, articles,newsletters newsletters etc. etc. spent: spent: • Supporting• Supporting Travellers Travellers to seek togreater seek availabilitygreater availability of, and access of, and accessto, good to, quality good living quality living Spend SpendUnderspend Underspend accommodation accommodation Health Health 82% 82% 18% 18% • Promotion• Promotion of Traveller of Traveller culture throughculture through school talks,school events, talks, etc.events, etc. EqualityEquality 72% 72% 28% 28% • Supporting• Supporting Travellers Travellers to take cases to take on cases grounds on grounds of discrimination of discrimination and informing and informing them of them of AccommodationAccommodation 64% 64% 36% 36% their rightstheir under rights equalit undery equalit laws y laws FAS SpecialFAS SpecialInitiative Initiative for Travellers for Travellers 60% 60% 40% 40% • Building• Building successful successful working working links with links a wide with range a wide of range agencies of agencies and voluntary and voluntary groups groups " " Pavee PointPavee (2013) Point - (2013) Travelling - Trav withelling Austeri withty Au’ Impactssterity’ Impacts of Cuts onof Cuts Traveller on Ts,raveller Travels,le rT Prravojectseller Pr ojects • • ". ". Young TravellersYoung Travellers Programmes Programmes in Sallins in (2015) Sallins and (2015) Maynooth and Maynooth (2007-2012) (2007-2012) and Seravicesnd Ser vices • Family• support Family support service serviceto a number to a number of families of families Many ofM atheny softatistics the statistics provided provided reflect areflect clear ad isparityclear d isparityin living in experiences living experiences betwee nbe thetwee n the • • TravellerT andraveller settled and comm settledunit commies, particularlyunities, particularly in relation in torelation health to and hea education.lth and education. This rep Thisort see repksort seeks Athy HorseAthy Project Horse Project to exploreto exwhatplore the what key theissues key aisresues for bothare for Traveller both T ravellerand Roma and pe Romaople frompeople th efrom more th elo calimoresed lo calised • Supporting• Supporting an anti-discrimination an anti-discrimination group in group Newbridge in Newbridge perspectiveperspective within County within CountyKildare. Kildare.

14 14 15 15 Since 2011, the total number of Travellers residing in Kildare has decreased from a total of 874 TRAVELLER & ROMA INFRASTRUCTURE (-15.4%) when the rate was 0.42%. In contrast, the Traveller population in Ireland increased by +5.1% since 2011. At the Municipal District level there are clear differences with both the Athy MD and Kildare/Newbridge MD with the highest rates at 0.5%. Across the settlement hierarchy there are some locations with no Traveller populations at all whereas highest rates are then During the development of this strategy, it became apparent that there is limited community recorded in Athy (1%) and Kilmeague (0.8%). However, census figures are likely to underestimate infrastructure in County Kildare to support the Traveller community and no community the actual numbers of Travellers in the county. infrastructure in place to support the Roma community. KILDARE TRAVELLER ACTION The Draft Traveller Accommodation Programme 2019-2024 (Kildare County Council) estimates 302 families, accounting for 1026 people as at 2018. The report indicates that the Traveller Kildare Traveller Action (KTA) is a community development organisation which aims to promote population is a young population with increasing numbers of new and growing families. equality and human rights for Travellers in County Kildare. The project was originally formed as Naas Equality for Travellers in 1998, became a county wide group - Kildare Traveller Network - in Since 2008 there has been a dramatic disinvestment by the state in the Traveller community. 2000 and incorporated as Kildare Traveller Action Limited in 2006. Since then Kildare Traveller Using the government’s own figures, it is possible to identify the scale of the austerity cuts, as Action has operated as a Company Limited by Guarantee, based in Newbridge and operating on outlined below, however these cuts should be compared to the overall reduction in government a county-wide basis. The Company is governed by eight Directors with membership drawn from current spending of -4.3% over period between 2008-2013: both the Traveller and settled communities in County Kildare, Older Voices Kildare, Kildare & West Wicklow Education & Training Board and County Kildare LEADER Partnership. As a local Traveller Programmes for Travellers Interagency activities -100% organisation, it is affiliated to the National Irish Traveller Movement. Traveller education - 86.6% Traveller accommodation - 85% KTA’s vision is “an Ireland where Travellers are recognised and valued as a distinct ethnic group Equality - 76.3% and are participating and benefiting fully and equally in an intercultural society.” National Traveller organisations - 63.6% FAS Special Initiative for Travellers - 50% Among its activities and achievements are the following: National Traveller Partnership - 32.1% • Outreach work with Travellers throughout the county (ongoing since 2000) Traveller SPY youth projects - 29.8% Health1 - 5.4% • Information, Support & Advocacy Project in which Travellers are enabled to uptake various Programmes and funding lines of importance to Travellers Equality and rights agencies - 69% mainstream services and programmes. Local & Community Development Programme - 42.3% • Initiatives against drugs - 32.5% Development programmes with Traveller women in North-East Kildare (covering Maynooth, Leixlip, Kilcock and Celbridge areas), Athy and Newbridge/Naas/Sallins. Over One of the most striking aspects of these cuts was that statutory agencies did not even spend 150 women have taken part in these programmes (2004-2019) all their allocations, so the picture is even more difficult. This is a table of the proportions actually • Media and PR work through radio interviews, newspaper articles, newsletters etc. spent: • Supporting Travellers to seek greater availability of, and access to, good quality living Spend Underspend accommodation Health 82% 18% • Promotion of Traveller culture through school talks, events, etc. Equality 72% 28% • Supporting Travellers to take cases on grounds of discrimination and informing them of Accommodation 64% 36% their rights under equality laws FAS Special Initiative for Travellers 60% 40% • Building successful working links with a wide range of agencies and voluntary groups " Pavee Point (2013) - Travelling with Austerity’ Impacts of Cuts on Travellers, Traveller Projects • ". Young Travellers Programmes in Sallins (2015) and Maynooth (2007-2012) and Services • Family support service to a number of families Many of the statistics provided reflect a clear disparity in living experiences between the • Traveller and settled communities, particularly in relation to health and education. This report seeks Athy Horse Project to explore what the key issues are for both Traveller and Roma people from the more localised • Supporting an anti-discrimination group in Newbridge perspective within County Kildare.

14 15 LOCAL TRAVELLERLOCAL TRAVELLER ACCOMMODATION ACCOMMODATION CONSULTATIVE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE COMMITTEE (LTACC) (LTACC) According Accordingto the 2016 to Irish the 2016Census, Irish there Census, were there around were 30,987 around Irish 30,987 Travellers Irish living Travellers in Ireland, living an in Ireland, an increase ofincrease 5.1% on of the 5.1% 2011 on figurethe 2011 (29,495) figure and (29,495) representing and representing 0.7% of the 0.7% general of the population. general population. A Local TravellerA Local Accommodation Traveller Accommodation Consultative Consultative Committee Committee (LTACC) was (LTACC) established was established in 1999 and in 1999 and Kildare TravellerKildare Action Traveller receives Action funding receives on funding an annual on basisan annual from basis Kildare from County Kildare Council County (KCC), Council (KCC), they have metthey at have quarterly met at intervals quarterly since intervals that time.since The that Committee time. The Committee is representative is representative of Travellers, of Travellers, County KildareCounty Leader Kildare Partnership Leader Partnership (CKLP), Kildare (CKLP), Wicklow Kildare Education Wicklow Education and Training and Board Training Board members ofmembers Traveller of support Traveller groups, support elected groups, members elected andmembers officials and ofofficials the local of authorities.the local authorities.The The (KWETB) and(KWETB) HSE. This and enablesHSE. This the enables organisation the organisation to run programmes to run programmes and meet itsand overheads. meet its overheads. A A group play groupa key roleplay in a thekey councilsrole in the strategic councils approach strategic toapproach various iterationsto various of iterations the Kildare of the County Kildare County CoordinatorCoordinator is employed is foremployed 10.5 hours for 10.5 per week, hours funded per week, mainly funded by KCC. mainly Funding by KCC. on Funding a ‘per project’ on a ‘per project’ Councils TravellerCouncils Accommodation Traveller Accommodation Programme. Programme. basis has alsobasis been has received also been from received other fromsources other such sources as Department such as Department of Agriculture of Agriculture Food and the Food and the Marine, St. Marine,Stephen’s St. Stephen’sGreen Trust Green and National Trust and Lottery. National Lottery. ROMA SUPPORTROMA SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE Given its limitedGiven ‘core’ its limited funding ‘core’ KTA funding is not KTAable isto not meet able the to full meet range the of full needs range of of the needs local of Traveller the local Traveller The Roma Thecommunity Roma community have no such have resource no such and resource SCHOOL and COMPLETIONSCHOOL COMPLETION PROGRAMME PROGRAMME population.population. are startingare from starting a baseline from a of baseline no resources of no resourcesor KILDARE or COUNTYKILDARE CHILDCARE COUNTY CHILDCARE COMMITTEE COMMITTEE PRIMARYPRIMARY HEALTH CARE HEALTH PROGRAMME CARE PROGRAMME infrastructure.infrastructure. During the During strategy the development strategy development HSE PRIMARY HSE CARE PRIMARY CARE process, process, CKLP capitalised CKLP capitalised on a funding on a fundingNAAS & DISTRICTNAAS COMMUNITY& DISTRICT COMMUNITY ALERT ALERT The Kildare/WestThe Kildare/West Wicklow Primary Wicklow Health Primary Care Health Programme Care Programme is designed is to designed empower to Travellersempower to Travellers to programmeprogramme through the through Department the Department of Justice ofto JusticeHSE to RESOURCE HSE RESOURCEOFFICE FOR OFFICE SUICIDE FOR SUICIDE take a pro-activetake a pro-activerole in addressing role in addressing health needs health in partnership needs in partnership with the Health with theService Health Executive Service Executive secure resourcessecure resourcesfor a Kildare for Roma a Kildare Employment Roma Employment PREVENTION PREVENTION and other bodies.and other bodies. Project, whichProject, will whichoffer willa offerdedicated a resourcededicated for resourceKILDARE for TRAVELLERKILDARE TRAVELLER ACTION ACTION KWETB COMMUNITYKWETB COMMUNITY EDUCATION EDUCATION The projectThe takes project a holistic takes approach a holistic toapproach improving to improvingthe health thestatus health of Travellers status of inTravellers the project in the project the Roma thecommunity Roma community and has been and factoredhas been into factored into area and focusesarea and on focuses addressing on addressing the social determinantsthe social determinants of health. It of aims health. to increase It aims to Travellers’ increase Travellers’ this strategicthis plan. strategic plan. CITIZENS INFORMATIONCITIZENS INFORMATION SERVICE SERVICE DEPARTMENTDEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AFFAIRS AFFAIRS knowledgeknowledge of health matters of health and matters existing and health existing services health and services to ensure and thatto ensure health that and health other and other OTHER SUPPORTOTHER SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE & SOCIAL PROTECTION& SOCIAL PROTECTION services areservices reaching are out reaching into the out community into the community and catering and for catering the real for needs the realof Travellers. needs of Travellers. CommunitiesCommunities who are whomarginalised are marginalised generally generallyPAVEE POINTPAVEE TRAVELLER POINT TRAVELLER & ROMA CENTRE & ROMA CENTRE Four TravellerFour women Traveller are women employed are asemployed Community as Community Health Workers Health by Workers Kildare Traveller by Kildare Action. Traveller The Action. The require strongrequire community strong community infrastructure infrastructure and AN and GARDA SIOCHANAAN GARDA SIOCHANA project alsoproject employs also a employspart-time a Programme part-time Programme Coordinator. Coordinator. communitycommunity development development processes processes in order in orderPRIMARY CAREPRIMARY SOCIAL CARE WORK SOCIAL WORK to addressto barriersaddress such barriers as literacy,such as numeracy, literacy, numeracy,SAINT JOHNSAINT OF GOD JOHN COMMUNITY OF GOD COMMUNITY PROJECTPROJECT AIM: AIM: SERVICES, LIFFEYSERVICES, SERVICES LIFFEY SERVICES language, language,mobility, mobility,preventing preventing them fromthem from SOUTH WESTERNSOUTH REGIONAL WESTERN DRUG REGIONAL & DRUG & To implementTo implement a programme a programme to improve to the improve health statusthe health of Travellers status of in Travellers Kildare and in Kildare West Wicklow, and West Wicklow, accessing accessingthe existing the services. existing services. ALCOHOL TASKALCOHOL FORCE TASK FORCE through thethrough employment the employment of local Travellers of local as Travellers Community as Community Health Workers Health Workers SCOIL MHUIRESCOIL JUNIOR MHUIRE SCHOOL JUNIOR SCHOOL More thanMore 30 service than 30 providers service engagedproviders inengaged the in the PROJECTPROJECT OBJECTIVES: OBJECTIVES: KILDARE COUNTYKILDARE COUNCIL COUNTY COUNCIL strategy developmentstrategy development process (these process are (theselisted are listedPADRAIG MCEVOY,PADRAIG COUNTY MCEVOY, COUNCILLOR COUNTY COUNCILLOR opposite). opposite). These are These organisations are organisations or individuals or individuals • • FORÓIGE DPEIFORÓIGE PROJECT DPEI PROJECT To provide Tohealth provide information health information to the Traveller to the Community Traveller Community and contribute and contributeto the to the that meet that Traveller meet and Traveller Roma and communities, Roma communities, or or promotion profomotion health. of health. provide servicesprovide to services those communities. to those communities. • To promote• To Traveller promote participation Traveller participation in health-related in health-related issues and issues enable and Travellers enable to Travellers to develop ande advocacyvelop an roleadvocacy in their role community in their community We found thatWe founda range that of aservices range of appear services to beappear offered to be to; offered or are available to; or are for available Traveller for and Traveller Roma and Roma communitiescommunities across Kildare, across including Kildare, (not including exhaustive) (not exhaustive) education educationsupport, drugs support, prevention drugs prevention and and • To identify• Tothe identify health needsthe health of Travellers needs of and Travellers facilitate and dialogue facilitate between dialogue health between service health service education educationprogrammes, programmes, health promotion health promotioninitiatives, therapeuticinitiatives, therapeutic family support. family support. providers andproviders the Traveller and the community Traveller community to promote to knowledge promote knowledge and understanding and understanding among among health authoritieshealth authorities to make appropriate to make appropriate provision for provision Travellers. for Travellers. In the main,In the the services main, the are services offered are “to offeredthe entire “to community, the entire community, which includes which Traveller includes and Traveller Roma and Roma people”. people”. • To contribute• To contributeto and respond to and to respond policy initiatives to policy which initiatives impact which on Travellerimpact on health Traveller status. health status. • To address• To priority address Traveller priority health Traveller issues health arising issues from arising the All-Ireland from the TravellerAll-Ireland Health Traveller Study. Health Study. This reportThis acknowledges report acknowledges that some thatservices some exist services and are exist available and are to available the Traveller to the and Traveller Roma and Roma communitiescommunities in County inKildare. County However, Kildare. theHowever, consultation the consultation findings pointfindings to limited point tocommunity limited community • To contribute• To contributeto the development to the development of health education of health educationmaterials appropriate materials appropriate to the to the infrastructureinfrastructure and support, and creating support, a creatinggap between a gap the between service the provision service andprovision the Traveller and the and Traveller and Traveller communityTraveller community as required. as required. Roma communities.Roma communities. • • To ensure theTo ensure specific the health specific needs health of Travellers needs of areTravellers addressed. are addressed. At presentAt there present does there not seem does notto be seem adequate to be provisionadequate in provision place to in bridge place that to bridge gap from that a gap from a • To liaise •and To work liaise with and other work relevantwith other statutory, relevant community statutory, community and voluntary and organisations voluntary organisations as as communitycommunity development development perspective. perspective. appropriate.appropriate.

The projectThe is managedproject is bymanaged Kildare byTraveller Kildare Action Traveller and Action funded and by fundedthe Health by theService Health Executive Service Executive through thethrough Traveller the Health Traveller Unit. Health Unit.

16 16 17 17 LOCAL TRAVELLER ACCOMMODATION CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE (LTACC) According to the 2016 Irish Census, there were around 30,987 Irish Travellers living in Ireland, an increase of 5.1% on the 2011 figure (29,495) and representing 0.7% of the general population. A Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee (LTACC) was established in 1999 and Kildare Traveller Action receives funding on an annual basis from Kildare County Council (KCC), they have met at quarterly intervals since that time. The Committee is representative of Travellers, County Kildare Leader Partnership (CKLP), Kildare Wicklow Education and Training Board members of Traveller support groups, elected members and officials of the local authorities. The (KWETB) and HSE. This enables the organisation to run programmes and meet its overheads. A group play a key role in the councils strategic approach to various iterations of the Kildare County Coordinator is employed for 10.5 hours per week, funded mainly by KCC. Funding on a ‘per project’ Councils Traveller Accommodation Programme. basis has also been received from other sources such as Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, St. Stephen’s Green Trust and National Lottery. ROMA SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE Given its limited ‘core’ funding KTA is not able to meet the full range of needs of the local Traveller The Roma community have no such resource and SCHOOL COMPLETION PROGRAMME population. are starting from a baseline of no resources or KILDARE COUNTY CHILDCARE COMMITTEE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PROGRAMME infrastructure. During the strategy development HSE PRIMARY CARE process, CKLP capitalised on a funding NAAS & DISTRICT COMMUNITY ALERT The Kildare/West Wicklow Primary Health Care Programme is designed to empower Travellers to programme through the Department of Justice to HSE RESOURCE OFFICE FOR SUICIDE take a pro-active role in addressing health needs in partnership with the Health Service Executive secure resources for a Kildare Roma Employment PREVENTION and other bodies. Project, which will offer a dedicated resource for KILDARE TRAVELLER ACTION KWETB COMMUNITY EDUCATION The project takes a holistic approach to improving the health status of Travellers in the project the Roma community and has been factored into area and focuses on addressing the social determinants of health. It aims to increase Travellers’ this strategic plan. CITIZENS INFORMATION SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AFFAIRS knowledge of health matters and existing health services and to ensure that health and other OTHER SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE & SOCIAL PROTECTION services are reaching out into the community and catering for the real needs of Travellers. Communities who are marginalised generally PAVEE POINT TRAVELLER & ROMA CENTRE Four Traveller women are employed as Community Health Workers by Kildare Traveller Action. The require strong community infrastructure and AN GARDA SIOCHANA project also employs a part-time Programme Coordinator. community development processes in order PRIMARY CARE SOCIAL WORK to address barriers such as literacy, numeracy, SAINT JOHN OF GOD COMMUNITY PROJECT AIM: SERVICES, LIFFEY SERVICES language, mobility, preventing them from SOUTH WESTERN REGIONAL DRUG & To implement a programme to improve the health status of Travellers in Kildare and West Wicklow, accessing the existing services. ALCOHOL TASK FORCE through the employment of local Travellers as Community Health Workers SCOIL MHUIRE JUNIOR SCHOOL More than 30 service providers engaged in the PROJECT OBJECTIVES: KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL strategy development process (these are listed PADRAIG MCEVOY, COUNTY COUNCILLOR opposite). These are organisations or individuals • FORÓIGE DPEI PROJECT To provide health information to the Traveller Community and contribute to the that meet Traveller and Roma communities, or promotion of health. provide services to those communities. • To promote Traveller participation in health-related issues and enable Travellers to develop an advocacy role in their community We found that a range of services appear to be offered to; or are available for Traveller and Roma communities across Kildare, including (not exhaustive) education support, drugs prevention and • To identify the health needs of Travellers and facilitate dialogue between health service education programmes, health promotion initiatives, therapeutic family support. providers and the Traveller community to promote knowledge and understanding among health authorities to make appropriate provision for Travellers. In the main, the services are offered “to the entire community, which includes Traveller and Roma people”. • To contribute to and respond to policy initiatives which impact on Traveller health status. • To address priority Traveller health issues arising from the All-Ireland Traveller Health Study. This report acknowledges that some services exist and are available to the Traveller and Roma communities in County Kildare. However, the consultation findings point to limited community • To contribute to the development of health education materials appropriate to the infrastructure and support, creating a gap between the service provision and the Traveller and Traveller community as required. Roma communities. • To ensure the specific health needs of Travellers are addressed. At present there does not seem to be adequate provision in place to bridge that gap from a • To liaise and work with other relevant statutory, community and voluntary organisations as community development perspective. appropriate.

The project is managed by Kildare Traveller Action and funded by the Health Service Executive through the Traveller Health Unit.

16 17 SECTIONSECTION 4: LEGISLATIVE 4: LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT CONTEXT • Directive• Directive 2004/38/EC 2004/38/EC of the European of the European Parliament Parliament and of the and Co ofuncil the Co of uncil29 April of 29 2004 April on 2004 on POLICYPOLICY AND AND LEGISLATIVE LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT CONTEXT the rightthe of citizrighte onfs citiz of theen sUnion of the and Union their and family their member family members to movse to and mo rvesidee and fr reelyeside within freely within the territorythe territory of the Member of the Member States States

• Regulation• Regulation (EU) No (EU)492/2011 No 492/2011 of the Council of the Council of 5 April of 2011 5 April on 2011 free donom free of dmovementom of movementfor for . . In Ireland,In Ireland,there are there various are variousenactments enactments of legislation of legislation which have which a directhave a and direct indirect and indirectimpact impacton on workersworkers within the within Community the Community the Travellerthe Traveller and Roma and community. Roma community. Such legislation Such legislation can have can a positivehave a positive or negative or negative impact impacton on NATIONALNATIONAL POLICIES POLICIES (IRELAND) (IRELAND) membersmembers of this community of this community group. The group. following The following provides provides information information on key areason key of areas legislation of legislation affectingaffecting Roma andRoma Traveller and Traveller communities. communities. • National• N Taravellertional T ravellerand Roma and Inclusion Roma Inclusion Strategy Strategy 2017-2021 2017-2021 • Irish Human• Irish HumanRights and Rights Equality and Equality Commission Commission Act 2014 Act 2014 • National• National Drugs Strategy: Drugs Strategy: Reducing Reducing Harm, Supporting Harm, Supporting Recovery Recovery 2017-2025 2017-2025 • Equal• Status Equal ActStatus 2000-2015 Act 2000-2015 • National• N Strategyational Strategy for Women for Women and Girls and 2017-2020 Girls 2017-2020 • Employment• Employment Equality Equality Acts 1998-2015 Acts 1998-2015 • Second• Second National National Strategy Strategy on Domestic, on Domestic, Sexual andSexual Gender-based and Gender-based Violence V iolence2016 – 20162021 – 2021 • Prohibition• Prohibition of Incitement of Incitement to Hatred to ActHatred 1989 Act 1989 • National• N Policyational for Policy Equity for of Equity Access of Access to Higher to EducationHigher Education 2015-20 2015-2019 19 • Housing• Housing (Traveller (Traveller Accommodation) Accommodation) Act 1998 Act 1998 • Healthy• H Ireland:ealthy Ireland:A Framework A Framework for Improved for Improved Health and Health Wellbeing and Wellbeing 2013-2025 2013-2025 • Housing• Housing (Miscellaneous (Miscellaneous Provisions) Provisions) Act 2002 Act 2002 • First •FiveFirst : A Whole-of-GovernmentFive : A Whole-of-Government Strategy Strategy for Babies, for Babies,Young Children Young Children and their and Families their Families • Roads• Act Roads 1993 Act 1993 2019-20282019-2028 • • • BETTER• BETTER OUTCOMES OUTCOMES BRIGHTER BRIGHTER FUTURES FUTURES The national The national policy framework policy framework for children for children & & Social WelfareSocial Welfare Consolidation Consolidation Act 2005 Act (Habitual 2005 (Habitual Residence Residence provisions provisions in Sections in Sections 246,192 246,192 . . and schemeand scheme specific specific areas)” areas)” young peopleyoung people • Children• Children First Act First 2015 Act 2015 EQUALITYEQUALITY AND ANTI-RACISM AND ANTI-RACISM INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE IN IRELAND IN IRELAND • Education• Education & Welfare & Welfare Act 2000 Act 2000 • Irish •HumanIrish HumanRights and Rights Equality and Equality Commission Commission (IHREC) (IHREC) NATIONALNATIONAL AND EU AND POLICY EU POLICY IMPACTING IMPACTING ON THE ON TRAVELLER THE TRAVELLER AND AND • • . . ROMA ROMACOMMUNITIES COMMUNITIES EuropeanEuropean Network Network against againstRacism Racism(ENAR) (ENAR) There areThere a range are a of range national/EU of national/EU policies policies in place in which place impact which impact upon the upon Traveller the Traveller and Roma and Roma The existingThe existing policy and policy legislative and legislative framework framework presented presented within the within overview the overview would appear would appear to to communities.communities. provideprovide a robust, a robust,rights-based rights-based context context for the Travellerfor the Traveller and Roma and communities Roma communities to live their to live lives their lives in an inclusivein an inclusive way as wayequals as inequals Ireland. in Ireland.The consultation The consultation findings, findings, however, however, present presenta different a different EU POLICIESEU POLICIES narrative.narrative. The developmentThe development of Roma of inclusion Roma inclusion policies policies in Europe in Europecan be cansituated be situated within the within context the context of the of the work of workthe European of the European Union, Council Union, Council of Europe, of Europe, and the andOrganization the Organization for Security for Security and Cooperation and Cooperation TravellerTraveller and Roma and people Roma people express express experience experience of disadvantage, of disadvantage, discrimination discrimination and inequality and inequality in Europein Europe(OSCE). (OSCE). UN human UN humanrights bodies, rights bodies,in particular in particular the UN theCommittee UN Committee on the Eliminationon the Elimination of of across across the socio-economic the socio-economic spectrum, spectrum, this is reflected this is reflected in the in emerging the emerging thematic thematic priorities priorities for for Racial Discrimination,Racial Discrimination, have also have made also recommendations made recommendations for the realisation for the realisation of Roma of rights. Roma rights. TravellerTraveller and Roma and communities. Roma communities. Whilst someWhilst legislative some legislative and policy and frameworks policy frameworks are in place are in to place to • • provideprovide the protections the protections and support and support necessary, necessary, it is clear it isthrough clear through the consultation the consultation findings findings that that CouncilCouncil Directive Directive 2000/43/EC 2000/43/EC (1) - Implementing (1) - Implementing the principle the principle of equal of treatment equal treatment gaps existgaps in existrelation in relationto linking to the linking Traveller the Traveller and Roma and people Roma peopleto the rights to the they rights are they entitled are entitledto as to as betweenbetw personseen persons irrespective irrespective of racial of or racial ethnic or origin ethnic origin Irish andIrish EU andcitizens. EU citizens. • Europe• Europe2020 Strategy: 2020 Strategy: A strategy A strategy for smart, for sustainable smart, sustainable and inclusive and inclusive growth growth • EU framework• EU framework for National for National Roma Integration Roma Integration Strategies Strategies up to 2020 up to 2020 • S.I No.• 548 S.I No. of 2015 548 of European 2015 European Communities Communities (Free Movement (Free Movement of Persons) of Persons) Regulation2 Regulation2 2015 2015

18 18 19 19 SECTION 4: LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT • Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States

• Regulation (EU) No 492/2011 of the Council of 5 April 2011 on freedom of movement for . In Ireland, there are various enactments of legislation which have a direct and indirect impact on workers within the Community the Traveller and Roma community. Such legislation can have a positive or negative impact on NATIONAL POLICIES (IRELAND) members of this community group. The following provides information on key areas of legislation affecting Roma and Traveller communities. • National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 • Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 • National Drugs Strategy: Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery 2017-2025 • Equal Status Act 2000-2015 • National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2020 • Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 • Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence 2016 – 2021 • Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989 • National Policy for Equity of Access to Higher Education 2015-2019 • Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 • Healthy Ireland: A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025 • Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002 • First Five : A Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families • Roads Act 1993 2019-2028 • • BETTER OUTCOMES BRIGHTER FUTURES The national policy framework for children & Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (Habitual Residence provisions in Sections 246,192 . and scheme specific areas)” young people • Children First Act 2015 EQUALITY AND ANTI-RACISM INFRASTRUCTURE IN IRELAND • Education & Welfare Act 2000 • Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) NATIONAL AND EU POLICY IMPACTING ON THE TRAVELLER AND • . ROMA COMMUNITIES European Network against Racism (ENAR) There are a range of national/EU policies in place which impact upon the Traveller and Roma The existing policy and legislative framework presented within the overview would appear to communities. provide a robust, rights-based context for the Traveller and Roma communities to live their lives in an inclusive way as equals in Ireland. The consultation findings, however, present a different EU POLICIES narrative. The development of Roma inclusion policies in Europe can be situated within the context of the work of the European Union, Council of Europe, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation Traveller and Roma people express experience of disadvantage, discrimination and inequality in Europe (OSCE). UN human rights bodies, in particular the UN Committee on the Elimination of across the socio-economic spectrum, this is reflected in the emerging thematic priorities for Racial Discrimination, have also made recommendations for the realisation of Roma rights. Traveller and Roma communities. Whilst some legislative and policy frameworks are in place to • provide the protections and support necessary, it is clear through the consultation findings that Council Directive 2000/43/EC (1) - Implementing the principle of equal treatment gaps exist in relation to linking the Traveller and Roma people to the rights they are entitled to as between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin Irish and EU citizens. • Europe 2020 Strategy: A strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth • EU framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020 • S.I No. 548 of 2015 European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulation2 2015

18 19 PHASEPHASE 2 2 PHASEPHASE 1 1 ...... SECTIONSECTION 5: 5: SurveySurvey distributed distributed to to Traveller Traveller PrePre Development Development Work Work with with andand Roma Roma Communities Communities as as well well TravellerTraveller & & Roma Roma communities communities asas service service providers providers METHODOLOGYMETHODOLOGY byby Community Community Development Development OutreachOutreach Workers Workers 178178 responses responses received received (69(69 Roma, Roma, 80 80 Traveller, Traveller, S3S3 Solutions Solutions worked worked closely closely with with the the County County Kildare Kildare Leader Leader Partnership Partnership and and 2929 service service providers) providers) InteragencyInteragency groups groups to to refine refine the the strategy strategy developmentdevelopment process.process. TheThe aim aim waswas to to ensureensure maximummaximum participation participation and and buy-in buy-in from from the the Traveller Traveller and and Roma Roma communities communities across across CountyCounty Kildare, Kildare, ensuring ensuring that that they they had had the the opportunity opportunity to to shape shape the the strategy strategy through through a a PHASEPHASE 3 3 participatoryparticipatory and and community community development development process. process. This This section section of of the the report report presents presents anan overview overview of of each each phase phase of of the the process process summarising summarising the the approach approach taken. taken...... 1111 Focus Focus groups groups delivered delivered withwith Traveller Traveller and and Roma Roma PHASEPHASE 4 4 communitiescommunities ...... 9393 people people participated participated (39(39 Traveller, Traveller, DevelopmentDevelopment of of 2 2 Case Case studies studies 5454 Roma) Roma) withwith Traveller Traveller and and Roma Roma communitiescommunities to to capture capture the the humanhuman impact impact of of the the key key issuesissues emerging emerging PHASEPHASE 5 5 ......

PresentationPresentation of of consultation consultation findings findings toto Traveller Traveller and and Roma Roma communities communities andand service service providers, providers, securing securing committmentcommittment to to engage engage inin planning planning 4848 people people attended attended

PHASEPHASE 6 6 PHASEPHASE 7 7 ...... FacilitationFacilitation of of 2 2 co-production co-production planning planning workshopsworkshops to to co-design co-design actions. actions. These These DevelopmentDevelopment of of draft draft strategic strategic involvedinvolved Traveller Traveller and and Roma Roma people people as as planplan and and facilitated facilitated discussion discussion wellwell as as service service providers providers and and withwith Interagency Interagency steering steering group group agenciesagencies toto identify identify implementation implementation 6464 people people attended attended planplan acrossacross 2 2 workshops workshops

2020 2121 PHASE 2 PHASE 1 ...... SECTION 5: Survey distributed to Traveller Pre Development Work with and Roma Communities as well Traveller & Roma communities as service providers METHODOLOGY by Community Development Outreach Workers 178 responses received (69 Roma, 80 Traveller, S3 Solutions worked closely with the County Kildare Leader Partnership and 29 service providers) Interagency groups to refine the strategy development process. The aim was to ensure maximum participation and buy-in from the Traveller and Roma communities across County Kildare, ensuring that they had the opportunity to shape the strategy through a PHASE 3 participatory and community development process. This section of the report presents an overview of each phase of the process summarising the approach taken...... 11 Focus groups delivered with Traveller and Roma PHASE 4 communities ...... 93 people participated (39 Traveller, Development of 2 Case studies 54 Roma) with Traveller and Roma communities to capture the human impact of the key issues emerging PHASE 5 ......

Presentation of consultation findings to Traveller and Roma communities and service providers, securing committment to engage in planning 48 people attended

PHASE 6 PHASE 7 ...... Facilitation of 2 co-production planning workshops to co-design actions. These Development of draft strategic involved Traveller and Roma people as plan and facilitated discussion well as service providers and with Interagency steering group agencies to identify implementation 64 people attended plan across 2 workshops

20 21 TRAVELLERTRAVELLER COMMUNITY COMMUNITY KEY KEY FINDINGS FINDINGS

SURVEYSURVEY FINDINGS FINDINGS A surveyA survey was distributed was distributed to the toTraveller the Traveller community community via the via Community the Community Development Development Outreach Outreach SECTIONSECTION 6 : 6 FINDINGS : FINDINGS Worker.Worker. The survey The survey was designed was designed to gather to gather a mixture a mixture of qualitative of qualitative and quantitative and quantitative information. information. The processThe process was aimed was aimed at maximising at maximising input frominput Travellerfrom Traveller people people across across Kildare, Kildare, cognisant cognisant of of & CASE& CASE STUDIES STUDIES the barriersthe barriers that exist that inexist terms in termsof literacy of literacy and access and access to computers/technology, to computers/technology, much muchof these of these responsesresponses have been have gatheredbeen gathered through through face to face face to engagement face engagement with with membersmembers of the ofTraveller the Traveller community community across across Kildare. Kildare.

This sectionThis section of the of document the document outlines outlines a thematic a thematic analysis analysis of the of the findingsfindings from thefrom consultation the consultation process. process. As the As consultation the consultation process process was conductedwas conducted on a parallel on a parallel basis inbasis relation in relation to the toTraveller the Traveller and Roma and Roma CommunitiesCommunities respectively, respectively, the findings the findings are presented are presented separately separately within within 8080 87%87% this section.this section. The information The information herein herein was synthesised, was synthesised, and a andthematic a thematic responsesresponses were gathered were gathered 65% 65% of respondentsof respondents have lived have in lived in of respondents of respondents overviewoverview of the ofconsultation the consultation findings findings is presented is presented for the for Traveller the Traveller and and from thefrom Traveller the Traveller a a KildareKildare for 5 or for more 5 or yearsmore years were femalewere female comp compred red Roma Romacommunities communities in Kildare. in Kildare. communitycommunity in total in total 35% 35% to to male male The sectionThe section is structured is structured as follows: as follows: 73%73% 1. Surve1.y Surve findingsy findings for the for Traveller the Traveller community community 17%17% 2. Focus2. Focus Group Group findings findings orf the orf Traveller the Traveller community community of respondentsof respondents were aged were aged 6%6% of respondentsof respondents were aged were aged 21-5921-59 3. Traveller3. Tra caseveller study case study of respondentsof respondents were aged were aged 20 or under20 or under 60+ 60+ 4. Surve4.y Surve findingsy findings for the for Roma the Romacommunity community RespondentsRespondents came came from from 5. Focus5. Focus Group Group findings findings orf the orf Roma the Romacommunity community acrossacross Kildare Kildare - NAAS: - NAAS: 23%, 23%, 6. Roma6. RomaCase SCasetudy Study Sallins:Sallins: 21%, Kildare/21%, Kildare/ Newbridge:Newbridge: 25%, 25%, 83%83% Maynooth:Maynooth: 8%, 8%, of Travellerof Traveller people people Cellbridge/Cellbridge/ Lexlip: Lexlip: 24% 24% stronglystrongly disagreed disagreed or or disagreeddisagreed that they that they 100%100% feel fullyfeel included fully included as an as an of Travellerof Traveller people people agreed agreed equal equalcitizen citizen in County in County that theythat face they barriers face barriers in in 41%41% KildareKildare inclusioninclusion in County in County of Travellerof Traveller people people identified identified KildareKildare Anti-DiscriminationAnti-Discrimination & Equality & Equality as theas priority the priority for the for inclusion the inclusion strategystrategy 3636%% of Travellerof Traveller people people Low %Low of Traveller % of Traveller people people identified identified identifiedidentified Housing/ Housing/ EducationEducation and health and health as their as number their number AccomAmodationccommodation as the as the I I 1 priority1 priority with 17% with noting 17% noting education education priorityp riforority the for nclusion the nclusion S S as numberas number 2 priority 2 priority and 13% and noting 13% noting trategytrategy healthhealth as number as number 2 priority 2 priority

22 22 23 23 TRAVELLER COMMUNITY KEY FINDINGS

SURVEY FINDINGS A survey was distributed to the Traveller community via the Community Development Outreach SECTION 6 : FINDINGS Worker. The survey was designed to gather a mixture of qualitative and quantitative information. The process was aimed at maximising input from Traveller people across Kildare, cognisant of & CASE STUDIES the barriers that exist in terms of literacy and access to computers/technology, much of these responses have been gathered through face to face engagement with members of the Traveller community across Kildare.

This section of the document outlines a thematic analysis of the findings from the consultation process. As the consultation process was conducted on a parallel basis in relation to the Traveller and Roma Communities respectively, the findings are presented separately within 80 87% this section. The information herein was synthesised, and a thematic responses were gathered 65% of respondents have lived in of respondents overview of the consultation findings is presented for the Traveller and from the Traveller a Kildare for 5 or more years were female comp red Roma communities in Kildare. community in total 35% to male The section is structured as follows: 73% 1. Survey findings for the Traveller community 17% 2. Focus Group findings orf the Traveller community of respondents were aged 6% of respondents were aged 21-59 3. Traveller case study of respondents were aged 20 or under 60+ 4. Survey findings for the Roma community Respondents came from 5. Focus Group findings orf the Roma community across Kildare - NAAS: 23%, 6. Roma Case Study Sallins: 21%, Kildare/ Newbridge: 25%, 83% Maynooth: 8%, of Traveller people Cellbridge/ Lexlip: 24% strongly disagreed or disagreed that they 100% feel fully included as an of Traveller people agreed equal citizen in County that they face barriers in 41% Kildare inclusion in County of Traveller people identified Kildare Anti-Discrimination & Equality as the priority for the inclusion strategy 36% of Traveller people Low % of Traveller people identified identified Housing/ Education and health as their number Accommodation as the I 1 priority with 17% noting education priority for the nclusion S as number 2 priority and 13% noting trategy health as number 2 priority

22 23 The survey gathered a range of qualitative statements from Traveller people regarding The survey also asked respondents to comment on what outcomes they would like to see S their experience and their views on what should be prioritised in the Inclusion trategy. Some of achieved for Traveller communities through this strategy, the following feedback was provided: the key findings include:

‘Discrimination in Pubs and hotels’ ‘Travellers being treated the same’ ‘Hear people talking and we are followed around shops’ ‘For children to not be judged and have a future’ , ‘Employment being denied due to your identity not ability’ ‘To have more halting sites for Travellers’ ‘Everything is a barrier. From the minute people see you and the way you are and how you ‘Equal rights, we are all Irish people’ ' are dressed they don’t want to say hello or get to know you because you are a Traveller ‘More accommodation, culturally appropriate housing, Halting sites’ ‘Judged and tarred with the one brush’ ‘Children having opportunities to succeed. Not judged’ ‘Discrimination in housing, we can’t rent anywhere’ ‘More back up when discrimination happens. No tolerance for it’ ‘Discrimination in schools, discrimination in pubs. You don’t feel you can be part of your ‘Traveller culture taught in school’ community because settled people don’t want you to be’ ‘Traveller culture celebrated’ ‘Going for work and not being given a chance. Travellers are judged all the time; you give ' up ‘Travellers just seen as people not a problem’ ‘Discrimination, children are not safe to play outside. Neighbour reports them for no rea- son as they want them to leave’ trying. You can’t change people’s opinions’

24 25 The survey gathered a range of qualitative statements from Traveller people regarding The survey also asked respondents to comment on what outcomes they would like to see S their experience and their views on what should be prioritised in the Inclusion trategy. Some of achieved for Traveller communities through this strategy, the following feedback was provided: the key findings include:

24 25 FOCUS GROUP FINDINGS HOUSING

In order to gain a deeper understanding of the emerging issues, 6 focus groups were The issue of housing emerged as a thematic priority during focus group sessions. The facilitated with 39 members of the Traveller community. Clear trends emerged in relation to discussions recognised the context in terms of the national housing crisis. However, the thematic priorities for Traveller people, for clarity and ease of reference, the findings have been participants did highlight specific issues facing the Traveller community in County Kildare such as: presented aligned to those. • We have no houses for our families and we no longer have roadside/ camping rights.’ (Traveller Woman in North Kildare) it's • ‘They won’t let us have a caravan in the grounds of our houses, like ' DISCRIMINATION it s ok as long as we do what they say, what about our culture? We are Travellers!’ (Traveller Woman in North Kildare) , • ‘They say they send letters and that but lots of Traveller people cannot It was clear that there was a strong sense of exclusion and discrimination amongst the read.’ (Traveller Man in South Kildare) participants, each of the focus groups cited multiple examples of how discrimination is manifested • ' on a daily basis: ‘My friends mother died waiting on a house, 3.5 years waiting for a home to live in, she never saw it.’ (Traveller Women in North Kildare) • My‘ family had a table reserved in a restaurant in Leixlip for a wedding W • meal. hen we arrived, we were told that we could not have the ‘The housing system is designed against our culture, if we do get a T house it is usually against how we want to live, its like if we stop being table, his was a special event in the family, ruined because of ' discrimination, we are people, this is our lives.’ (Traveller Woman in North Travellers, we are acceptable (Traveller Man in South Kildare) Kildare) • ‘Even in chapel the priest looks down at us because of who we are and There appear to be 2 key issues in relation to housing/accommodation from a Traveller what we wear, even though women from other communities wear the perspective: T same, we are made to feel low because we are ravellers, even in a 1. LACK OF HOUSING: holy place’. (Traveller Man in North Kildare) • This is not specific to the Traveller community within the context of a national housing crisis, ‘If we go to a shop people follow us around as if we are going to steal although we can see how the Traveller community would face further exclusion in terms of . things’ (Young Traveller Woman in Mid Kildare) literacy and understanding of the processes involved • ‘We have to travel to Carlow to be able to socialise, we can’t even 2. CULTURALLY APPROPRIATE HOUSING:

have a beer in our own town’ (Traveller Man in South Kildare) The feedback seems to suggest a suspicion amongst Travellers that the current housing The most prominent examples relate to Travellers being denied access to pubs and restaurants, arrangements have been designed in some way to thwart the Traveller culture. This came across there is substantial reference to Travellers being followed around shops and supermarkets by strongly as a perception within the Traveller community. security guards. This daily experience seems to have a broader impact on the Traveller community, according to one respondent: • ‘It’s the discrimination that leads to other problems such as addictions, depression or suicide, if hope gets taken away what is left?’ (Traveller Woman in North Kildare)

26 27 FOCUSFOCUS GROUP GROUP FINDINGS FINDINGS HOUSINGHOUSING

In orderIn toorder gain to a gaindeeper a deeperunderstanding understanding of the ofemerging the emerging issues, issues,6 focus 6 groupsfocus groupswere were The issueThe of issue housing of housing emerged emerged as a thematic as a thematic priority priority during during focus group focus sessions. group sessions. The The facilitatedfacilitated with 39 with members 39 members of the Traveller of the Traveller community. community. Clear trends Clear emergedtrends emerged in relation in relation to to discussionsdiscussions recognised recognised the context the context in terms in of terms the of national the national housing housing crisis. However, crisis. However, the the thematicthematic priorities priorities for Traveller for Traveller people, people,for clarity for and clarity ease and of ease reference, of reference, the findings the findings have been have been participantsparticipants did highlight did highlight specific specific issues facingissues the facing Traveller the Traveller community community in County in CountyKildare suchKildare as: such as: presentedpresented aligned alignedto those. to those. • • We haveWe nohave houses no houses for our for families our families and we and no we longer no longer have roadside/have roadside/ campingcamping rights.’ rights.’ (Traveller (T ravellerWoman Woman in North in Kildare) North Kildare) it's it's • ‘They• ‘Theywon’t won’tlet us havelet us a have caravan a caravan in the ingrounds the grounds of our of houses, our houses, like like ' ' DISCRIMINATIONDISCRIMINATION it s okit ass longok as as long we asdo we what do they what sa theyy, what say ,about what aboutour culture? our culture? We are W e are Travellers!’Travellers!’ (Traveller (T ravellerWoman Woman in North in Kildare) North Kildare) , , • ‘They• ‘Theysay they say send they letterssend letters and that and but that lots but of lots Traveller of Traveller people people cannot cannot It was Itclear was that clear there that wasthere a wasstrong a strongsense ofsense exclusion of exclusion and discrimination and discrimination amongst amongst the the read.’ read.’(Traveller (T ravellerMan in SouthMan in Kildare) South Kildare) participants,participants, each of eachthe focus of the groups focus groupscited multiple cited multiple examples examples of how discrimination of how discrimination is manifested is manifested • • ' ' on a dailyon basis: a daily basis: ‘My friends‘My friends mother mother died waitingdied waiting on a houseon a house, 3.5 year, 3.5s yearwaitings waiting for for a homea hometo live to in, live she in, never she neversaw it.’ saw (Traveller it.’ (T ravellerWomen Women in North in Kildare) North Kildare) • My‘ • familyMy‘ family had a hadtable a reservedtable reserved in a restau in a restaurant inrant Leixli inp Leixli for ap wedding for a wedding W W • • meal. mehenal. whene arriv wee d,arriv wee d,wer wee twerold eth taoldt w the actould we cnotould ha notve thehav e the ‘The housing‘The housing system syst is emdesigned is designed against against our culture our culture, if we, doif we get do a get a T T househouse it is usually it is usually against against how we how want we towant live, to its live, like its if likwee stopif we being stop being table, tahisble, washis a wasspecial a special event eventin the infamil they famil, ruinedy, r uinedbecause because of of ' ' discrimination,discrimination, we are we people, are people, this is tourhis islives.’ our lives.’(Traveller (T ravellerWoman Woman in North in North Travellers,Travellers, we are we acceptable are acceptable (Traveller (T ravellerMan in SouthMan in Kildare) South Kildare) Kildare)Kildare) • • ‘Even in‘Even chapel in chapel the priest the priestlooks looksdown downat us because at us because of who of we who are we and are and There appearThere appearto be 2to ke bey issues 2 key issuesin relation in relationto housing to housing/accommodation/accommodation from a frTomraveller a T raveller what wewhat wea wer, weaevenr, thougheven though women women from otherfrom othercommunities communities wear thewear the perspective:perspective: T T same,same, we are we made are madeto feel to low feel because low because we are we ravellers, are ravellers, even ineven a in a 1. LACK1. OF LACK HOUSING: OF HOUSING: holy place’.holy place’. (Traveller (T ravellerMan in NorthMan in Kildare) North Kildare) • • This is Tnothis specific is not specific to the T toraveller the T ravellercommunity community within the within context the context of a national of a national housing housing crisis, crisis, ‘If we go‘If w toe ago shop to a peopleshop peoplefollowfollow us around us around as if we as areif we going are goingto steal to steal althoughalthough we can we see can how see the how Traveller the T ravellercommunity community would face would further face furtherexclusion exclusion in terms in of terms of . . things’things’ (Young T(Yravelleroung T ravellerWoman Woman in Mid Kildare) in Mid Kildare) literacy literacyand understanding and understanding of the processes of the processes involved involved • ‘We• have‘We tohave travel to travelto Carlow to Carlow to be ableto be to able socialise, to socialise, we can’t we evencan’t even 2. CULTURALLY2. CULTURALLY APPROPRI APPROPRIATE HOUSING:ATE HOUSING: have ahave beera in beer our inown our town’ own town’(Traveller (T ravellerMan in SouthMan in Kildare) South Kildare) The feedbackThe feedback seems seemsto suggest to suggest a suspicion a suspicion amongst amongst Travellers Travellers that th eth acturrent the churrentousing h ousing The mostThe prominent most prominent examples examples relate to relate Travellers to Travellers being denied being accessdenied accessto pubs to and pubs restaurants, and restaurants, arrangementsarrangements have been have designed been designed in some in way some to thwartway to the thwart Traveller the T ravellerculture. culture.This came This across came across there isth seubstantialre is substantial reference reference to Travellers to Travellers being followed being followed around aroundshops andshops supermarkets and supermarkets by by stronglys astrongly a perception as a perception within the within Traveller the T ravellercommunit community. y. securitysecurity guards. guards.This daily This experience daily experience seems seemsto have to a havebroader a broader impact impacton the onTraveller the T raveller communitcommunity, accordingy, according to one respondent: to one respondent: • ‘It’s• the‘It’s discrimination the discrimination that leads that toleads other to problemsother problems such as such addictions, as addictions, depressiondepression or suicide, or suicide, if hope if getshope taken gets takenaway whataway is what left?’ is left?’ (Traveller(Traveller Woman Woman in North in Kildare) North Kildare)

26 26 27 27 EMPLOYMENT CASE STUDY - TRAVELLER COMMUNITY

The focus groups feedback contained substantial reference to the issue of employment, or lack of employment opportunities for Traveller people, extracts below reflect a general sense of TRAVELLER CASE STUDY - RACISM/ DISCRIMINATION exclusion and lack of fairness in terms of Traveller experience in Kildare. As the consultation process developed it was decided that a case study highlighting some of the • Traveller people can’t get work because people don’t want to employ a emerging issues would add value to the consultation feedback. The theme of this case study is T general discrimination raveller, we can’t even get work experience, how can we get a , the subject relates to a young boxer from a rural town in Co. Kildare. job when we cannot even get accepted for work experience.’ The individual in his early 20’s has lived in a rural town in Co. Kildare for all of his life, attending (Traveller Woman in North Kildare) primary and secondary school in the town. The boy started boxing at 8 years old and having • ‘My daughter got her Leaving Certificate, after a while she ripped it up worked hard and trained every day, he started to box at a competitive level at the age of 11. and threw it in the bin, it was useless to her, she couldn’t get a chance Gaining widespread recognition as a very talented boxer, he won 10 all Ireland titles at Schoolboy, Junior, Youth and Senior levels. anywhere to get work.’ (Traveller Woman in North Kildare) • ‘How can we get work experience when we can’t even get work as As one of the most exciting young boxers of his generation, he won multiple World and European ? medals whilst representing Ireland. volunteers in a charity shop ’ (Young Traveller Woman in South Kildare) • ‘Traveller people leave school early because they think there is no Emerging as a role model within a rural town in Co. Kildare, his achievements in the ring led to a T . point in getting qualifications, ravellers won’t get a job anyway ’ hero’s welcome in the town, with a parade in his honour and a party facilitated by the local Mayor. (Traveller Man in North Kildare) He believes boxing and sport in general is something that a rural town in Co. Kildare is, and should be, proud of. He has worked very hard throughout his youth to be the best he could for himself, his The feedback in terms of employment reflects a general lack of faith that Travellers will have fair family, his community and the town. access to employment. One of the examples given involved a young Traveller Woman being rejected as a volunteer in a charity shop. The young Woman is in no doubt that this happened Despite these achievements in boxing, the fact that he has never been involved in any trouble and because she is a Traveller. is now working as a volunteer coach at the boxing club, he still feels like a second class citizen in his own town. He refers to an incident that happened to a friend and himself which illustrates this:

“My friend and I like to play a game of pool to relax but they don’t like Traveller people in the HEALTH & EDUCATION bars and pubs in the town here. We have to drive 20km to Carlow to play a game of pool, that is crazy. One day we decided to head down to a local pub for a game during the day. There was only the two of us and neither of us took a drink - we wanted a glass of Coke and a game of pool. When we walked in the owner said to us that the table was broken but it Throughout the consultation process with the Traveller community, the focus from participants clearly wasn’t broke. I had a Euro in my hand and just put it into the slot, the balls came out on issues of Health & Education was not as prominent as those referenced previously. Whilst as normal, so the table was not broken. He then said we have no pool sticks, there were two participants clearly recognised education and health as important strategic issues, challenges of 2 sticks just sitting there. housing and discrimination were more short term and urgent, potentially reflecting a hierarchy of needs. ‘My friend and I started to rack the balls up. The owner then physically attacked us. It was terrible…. he was an older man….so I had to restrain myself. He was pushing me and my Consultation with service providers and the review of statistical data relating to health and friend around trying to force us out the door. We have never had any bother with him or education within the Traveller community (i.e. 13% of Traveller children complete second level the bar. The people in the town know me from the boxing and know I am a good lad. It was education compared to 92% in the settled community, high rates of suicide etc) reinforced the so shaming, I felt bad that I couldn’t do something simple like have a game of pool with my importance of these themes and thus justify their inclusion as strategic priorities. friend, how is this right?’

28 29 EMPLOYMENTEMPLOYMENT CASECASE STUDY STUDY - - TRAVELLERTRAVELLER COMMUNITY COMMUNITY

The focusThe groups focus feedback groups feedback contained contained substantial substantial reference reference to the issue to the of issue employment, of employment, or or lack of employmentlack of employment opportunities opportunities for Traveller for Travellerpeople, extracts people, extractsbelow reflect below areflect general a sensegeneral of sense of TRAVELLERTRAVELLER CASE STUDY CASE -STUDY RACISM/ - RACISM/ DISCRIMINATION DISCRIMINATION exclusionexclusion and lack andof fairness lack of infairness terms ofin termsTraveller of Travellerexperience experience in Kildare. in Kildare. As the consultationAs the consultation process processdeveloped developed it was decided it was decidedthat a case that study a case highlighting study highlighting some of somethe of the • Traveller• Traveller people people can’t get can’t work get because work because people people don’t want don’t to want employ to employ a a emergingemerging issues would issues add would value add to thevalue consultation to the consultation feedback. feedback. The theme The of theme this case of this study case is study is T T general generaldiscrimination discrimination ravellerravelle, we can’tr, we even can’t get even work get experience,work experience, how can how we can get we a get a , the subject, the relates subject to relates a young to boxera young from boxer a rural from town a rural in Co. town Kildare. in Co. Kildare. job whenjob we when cannot we cannot even get even accepted get accepted for work for experie work experience.’ nce.’ The individualThe individual in his early in his20’s early has 20’s lived has in a lived rural in town a rural in Co.town Kildare in Co. for Kildare all of forhis alllife, of attending his life, attending (Traveller(Traveller Woman inWoman North Kildare)in North Kildare) primary andprimary secondary and secondary school in school the town. in the The town. boy The started boy boxing started at boxing 8 years at old 8 years and havingold and having • ‘My •daught‘My daughter got herer got Lea herving Lea Certificateving Certificate, after a, aftwhileer a she while ripp sheed ritipp uped it up worked hardworked and hard trained and every trained day, every he started day, he to started box at to a box competitive at a competitive level at the level age at theof 11. age of 11. and threwand itthrew in the it bin, in the it was bin, uselessit was useless to her, toshe he couldn’tr, she couldn’t get a chance get a chance Gaining widespreadGaining widespread recognition recognition as a very as talented a very talentedboxer, he boxer, won 10 he all won Ireland 10 all titles Ireland at Schoolboy, titles at Schoolboy, Junior, YouthJunior, and Youth Senior and levels. Senior levels. anywhereanywhere to get work.’ to get (work.’Traveller ( TWomanraveller inWoman North Kildare)in North Kildare) • ‘How• can‘How we can get we work get experience work experience when wewhen can’t we even can’t get even work get as work as As one ofAs the one most of the exciting most youngexciting boxers young of boxers his generation, of his generation, he won multiple he won Worldmultiple and World European and European ? ? medals whilstmedals representing whilst representing Ireland. Ireland. volunteersvolunteers in a charity in a charity shop ’ shop(Young ’T raveller(Young TWomanraveller inWoman South inKildare) South Kildare) • ‘Traveller• ‘Traveller people people leave schoolleave schoolearly becauseearly because they think they therethink isthere no is no EmergingEmerging as a role asmodel a role within model a ruralwithin town a rural in Co. town Kildare, in Co. his Kildare, achievements his achievements in the ring in ledthe toring a led to a T T . . point inp ointgetting in getting qualifications, qualifications, raveller ravellers won’ts getwon ’ta jobget anywaya job anyway’ ’ hero’s welcomehero’s welcome in the town, in the with town, a parade with a in parade his honour in his and honour a party and facilitated a party facilitated by the local by theMayor. local Mayor. (Traveller(Traveller Man in North Man Kildare)in North Kildare) He believesHe believesboxing and boxing sport and in general sport in is general something is something that a rural that town a rural in Co. town Kildare in Co. is, Kildare and should is, and should be, proudbe, of. proud He has of. worked He has very worked hard very throughout hard throughout his youth his to youthbe the to best be thehe could best he for could himself, for his himself, his The feedbackThe feedback in terms inof termsemployment of employment reflects reflectsa general a lack general of faith lack that of faith Travellers that Travellers will have fairwill have fair family, hisfamily, community his community and the town. and the town. access toaccess employment. to employment. One of the One examples of the examples given involved given involved a young a Traveller young Traveller Woman Womanbeing being rejected rejectedas a volunteer as a volunteer in a charity in a shop. charity The shop. young The Woman young isWoman in no doubtis in no that doubt this thathappened this happened Despite theseDespite achievements these achievements in boxing, in the boxing, fact that the facthe has that never he has been never involved been involvedin any trouble in any and trouble and becausebecause she is a Traveller. she is a Traveller. is now workingis now asworking a volunteer as a volunteer coach at coach the boxing at the club, boxing he stillclub, feels he stilllike feelsa second like a classsecond citizen class in citizen in his own town.his own He town. refers He to refersan incident to an thatincident happened that happened to a friend to and a friend himself and which himself illustrates which illustrates this: this:

“My friend“My and friend I like and to play I like a to game play of a game pool to of relax pool butto relax they but don’t they like don’t Traveller like Traveller people in people the in the HEALTHHEALTH & EDUCATION & EDUCATION bars andbars pubs and in thepubs town in the here. town We here. have We to drivehave to20km drive to 20km Carlow to toCarlow play a to game play ofa game pool, of pool, that is crazy.that is One crazy. day One we decidedday we decided to head todown head to down a local to pub a local for apub game for duringa game the during day. the day. There wasThere only was the onlytwo ofthe us two and of neither us and of neither us took of aus drink took - awe drink wanted - we awanted glass of a glassCoke ofand Coke and a game aof game pool. ofWhen pool. we When walked we inwalked the owner in the said owner to ussaid that to theus thattable the was table broken was butbroken it but it ThroughoutThroughout the consultation the consultation process processwith the withTraveller the Travellercommunity, community, the focus the from focus participants from participants clearly wasn’tclearly broke. wasn’t I hadbroke. a Euro I had in a my Euro hand in my and hand just andput itjust into put the it intoslot, the the slot, balls the came balls out came out on issueson of issues Health of & Health Education & Education was not was as prominent not as prominent as those as referenced those referenced previously. previously. Whilst Whilst as normal,as sonormal, the table so the was table not wasbroken. not Hebroken. then Hesaid then we havesaid we no havepool sticks,no pool there sticks, were there two were two participantsparticipants clearly recognised clearly recognised education education and health and as health important as important strategic strategic issues, challenges issues, challenges of of 2 sticks 2just sticks sitting just there. sitting there. housing housingand discrimination and discrimination were more were short more term short and term urgent, and potentially urgent, potentially reflecting reflecting a hierarchy a hierarchyof of needs. needs. ‘My friend‘My and friend I started and I tostarted rack the to rack balls the up. balls The ownerup. The then owner physically then physically attacked attacked us. It was us. It was terrible….terrible…. he was anhe olderwas an man….so older man….so I had to Irestrain had to restrainmyself. Hemyself. was pushingHe was pushing me and memy and my ConsultationConsultation with service with providersservice providers and the andreview the of review statistical of statistical data relating data torelating health to and health and friend aroundfriend tryingaround to trying force tous force out the us door.out the We door. have We never have had never any hadbother any withbother him with or him or educationeducation within the within Traveller the Traveller community community (i.e. 13% (i.e. of Traveller 13% of Traveller children childrencomplete complete second levelsecond level the bar. Thethe bar.people The in people the town in the know town me know from me the from boxing the and boxing know and I am know a good I am lad. a good It was lad. It was educationeducation compared compared to 92% into the 92% settled in the community, settled community, high rates high of suiciderates of etc) suicide reinforced etc) reinforced the the so shaming,so shaming, I felt bad I feltthat bad I couldn’t that I couldn’t do something do something simple like simple have like a game have ofa game pool with of pool my with my importanceimportance of these ofthemes these andthemes thus and justify thus their justify inclusion their inclusion as strategic as strategic priorities. priorities. friend, howfriend, is this how right?’ is this right?’

28 28 29 29 ‘‘We went to the Garda Síochána to complain but they just fobbed us off and said the CCTV was not clear. It seems to me that it’s ok to treat Travellers different from the rest. There is good and bad in all communities. Why does everyone think we are all bad? I don’t know if it will ever change. It put me off the boxing and everything for a while and my head was down, being treated like that isn’t nice but will it ever change?”

He also points to the lack of support from him as a talented sportsman, he was clearly one of the most promising boxers in Ireland but could not get the necessary support to help with his development:

‘“Other boxers in the Ireland teams are great mates, high profile fellas like Paddy Barnes and Michael Conlon from Belfast. I have nothing bad to say about them, but none of them had won as much as I had yet they had support and sponsorship needed to help them as athletes. The town they lived in rallied around and made sure they had the best equipment and training. I had none of that. My club in a rural town in Co. Kildare helped me as much as they could and they are brilliant, but that was it, no one else wanted to know. I believe it’s because I am from the Traveller community, what else could it be?

Not everyone discriminates against Travellers. My Boxing Club and treats us all the same a local college has always been great to me. I have mates from the settled community who don’t treat me any differently. But one night we went for a night out, I was with some family. My friends were in this bar too. They would not let us in, they turned the lights out and s let on the electricity was off just to get rid of u . How did that make me look in front of my friends. They know me well but must be thinking that I am some type of scumbag which I’m not. I was really ashamed and low even though I have done nothing wrong.

I think somehow the bar owners need to meet with Traveller people to sort this out. It’s not fair. I can’t even have a drink with my friends at Christmas time. We are not equal in this town and probably never will be.

I hope there is a strategy and that it will lead to Travellers being accepted as equals, I fought for this town, but the truth is this town never fought for me. That has to change”.

This story seems to reflect the general experience of the Traveller community in County Kildare. This case study brings the impact of discrimination and exclusion into focus.

30 31 ‘‘We went‘ ‘Weto the went Garda to the Síoch Gardaána Síochto complainána to cobutmplain they just but fobbed they just us fobbed off and us said off the and CCTV said the CCTV was not cleawasr. notIt seems clear. to It seemsme that to it’s me o kthat to treat it’s o kTravellers to treat T differentravellers differentfrom the rest.from Thethere rest. is There is good andg badood in and all communities.bad in all communities. Why does W everyonehy does everyone think we are think all webad are? I dallon’t ba knowd? I don’t if it know if it will ever change.will ever It change. put me o Itff put the m eboxing off the and boxing everything and everything for a while forand a mywhile head and was my head down, was down, being treatedbeing like treated that isn’t like nthatice butisn’t will nice it everbut will change?” it ever change?”

He also pointsHe also to thepoints lack to of the support lack of from support him asfrom a talented him as a sportsma talented nsportsma, he was nclearly, he was one clearly of one of the most promisingthe most promisingboxers in Ireboxersland butin Ire couldland butnot couldget the not ne getcessary the ne supportcessary to support help w ithto hishel p with his development:development:

‘“Other boxer‘“Others in theboxer Irelas innd the team Irelas arnde t greameats matare gres,eat high mat pres,ofile high fellas profile like fPellasaddy lik Bearne Paddys and Barne s and Michael ConlonMichael fro Conlonm Belfast. from I hav Belfast.e nothing I hav ebad nothing to say bad abou tot sa them,y ab oubutt them,none of but them none had of themwon had won as much asas I muchhad ye ast the I hady had yet suppor they hadt a suppornd sponsort andsh sponsorip neededshi pto n helpeeded to help them as athletes.them as Theathletes. town Thethey town lived they in rallied lived aroin ralliedund and aro madeund a surend made sure they had thethey best had equipment the best equipment and training. and I trahadining. none I hadof that. none My of clu that.b My club in a rural townin a rural in Co. town Kildare in Co. helped Kildare me helped as much me as as they much could as they and could they and they are brilliant,are but brilliant, that was but it,that no was one it,else no wantedone else to wanted know. I to believe know. i t’I believes it’s because Ibecause am from Ithe am T fromraveller the communitTraveller community, what elsey, what could else it be? could it be?

Not everyNotone every discriminatone discriminates againsest Tagravellerainst s.T raveller My Bos.xin Myg Club Boxin g Club and and treats us treatsall the ussame all the samea local collegea loca hasl college always has been always great been great to me. I haveto me. mates I have from mates the set fromtled the community settled community who don’t who don’t treat me antreaty differentl me any ydifferentl. But oney night. But one we w nightent f wore a w nienghtt for a night out, I waso withut, I wassome with famil somey. My famil friendsy. My were friends in this were bar in this bar too. Theyto wouldo. They not would let us not in, letthey us t urnedin, they th teurned lights th oue tligh antsd out and s s let on thelet electricity on the electricity was off was just tooff get just rid to of get u rid. How of u . How did that makedid that me makelook in me fron lookt of in my fron friends.t of my They friends. know They know me well butme mustwell butbe thimustnking be ththiatnking I am th someat I am type some of type of scumbag scumbagwhich I’m which not. I I’mwas n oreallyt. I was ashamed really ashamedand low and low even thougheven I have though done I have noth doneing wrong. nothing wrong.

I think somehowI think somehow the bar ownersthe bar needowners to needmeet towit meeth with Traveller pTeopleraveller to p soeoplert this to out. sor tIt’s this not out. fai It’sr. I cannot’t fai evr.en I can have’t ev en have a drink witha d myrink friends with my at friends Christm atas Chri time.stm Weas aretime. not We equal are not equal in this townin thisand townprobably and probablynever will never be. will be.

I hope thereI hope is a therestrateg is ya anstrategd thaty itan willd t haleadt it to will Travellers lead to T ravellers being acceptedbeing accepted as equals, as I equals,fought forI fought this town,for this bu ttown, but the truth tishe this truth town is this never town fought never for fo me.ught That for me.has Thatto has to change”. change”.

This story Tsheemsis stor toy sreeemsflect theto r egenerflect althe exper generienalce e xperof theien Tceraveller of the Traveller communitcoy inmm Counituntyy iKin ldareCount. Tyh Kiisldare case. Tstudyhis cas bringse study the brings impact the of impact of discriminationdiscrimination and exclusion and intoexclusion focus. into focus.

30 30 31 31 The survey gathered a range of qualitative statements from Roma people regarding ROMA COMMUNITY KEY FINDINGS S . M their experience and their views on what should be prioritised in the Inclusion trategy ost of the feedback was focused on the issue of Housing/ Accommodation: SURVEY FINDINGS A survey was also distributed to the Roma community. The role of the Community Development Outreach worker was crucial in assisting Roma people to contribute in this way, face to face ‘Live in bad conditions’ engagements with Roma people were used to overcome literacy barriers and enable survey responses to be collected. ‘We live in limited conditions’ ‘My family live without resource’ A total of Almost 80% ‘My family has been asked to be moved from the house over a year, we can not find a house’ 69 of the respondents confirmed that they have lived in Kildare 51% ‘Push me into poverty, Low skills’ responses were collected of respondents for 5 or more years from within the Roma were male and 49% female community in total Participants came from across Kildare 16% In respect of desired outcomes, feedback from the Roma community included. including NAAS: 18%, of respondents were aged 89% Sallins: 11%, 20 and under Kildare/ Newbridge: 20%, of respondents either Maynooth: 31% strongly disagreed or Cellbridge/ Lexlip: 20% disagreed that they feel 83% fully included as equal ‘Housing for Roma family’ of respondents were aged citizens in County Kildare ‘Plan for housing for big family in council’ 54 out of the 69 (78%) 21- 59 ‘Clinic for Roma in Kildare’ respondents identified ‘More skills (Course) for Roma housing as the main barrier 34% 1% to inclusion Space for Roma advocacy of Roma people identified of respondents were aged Help for those that are homeless (food) employment as a thematic 60+ priority for the inclusion Building for young people and advocacy- for help with young people strategy

100% of Roma respondents agreed that they face barriers in inclusion in County Kildare

32 33 The surveyThe surveygathered gat ahered range a ofrange qualitative of qualitative statements stat ementsfrom Romafrom peRomaople pereoplegarding re garding ROMAROMA COMMUNITY COMMUNITY KEY KEY FINDINGS FINDINGS S S. M . M their experiencetheir experience and their and views their on views what on shou whatld beshou prioritisedld be prioritised in the Inclusio in the nInclusio trategn y trategosty ost of the feedbackof the feedback was focused was focused on the issu on thee of issu Housing/e of Housing/ Accommodation: Accommodation: SURVEYSURVEY FINDINGS FINDINGS A surveyA wassurvey also was distributed also distributed to the Roma to the community. Roma community. The role The of the role Community of the Community Development Development OutreachOutreach worker wasworker crucial was in crucial assisting in assisting Roma people Roma peopleto contribute to contribute in this way, in this face way, to face face to face ‘Live in bad‘Live conditions’ in bad conditions’ engagementsengagements with Roma with people Roma werepeople used were to usedovercome to overcome literacy barriersliteracy barriers and enableand survey enable responses survey responses to be collected. to be collected. ‘We live ‘Wein limited live in conditions’ limited conditions’ ‘My family‘My live family without live withoutresource’ resource’ A total ofA total of AlmostAlmost 80% 80% ‘My family‘My has family been has asked been to asked be moved to be movedfrom the from house the overhouse a year,over wea year, can we not can find not a find a house’ house’ 6969 of the respondentsof the respondents confirmed confirmed that theythat have they lived have in Kildare lived in Kildare 51% 51% ‘Push me‘Push into mepoverty, into poverty, Low skills’ Low skills’ responsesresponses were collected were collected of respondents of respondents for 5 or morefor 5 or years more years from withinfrom the within Roma the Roma were malewere and male and 49% 49% female female communitycommunity in total in total ParticipantsParticipants came fromcame from acrossacross Kildare Kildare 16%16% In respectIn respectof desired of desiredoutcomes, outcomes, feedback feedback from the from Roma the community Roma community included. included. includingincluding NAAS: 18%, NAAS: 18%, of respondentsof respondents were aged were aged 89%89% Sallins: 11%,Sallins: 11%, 20 and under20 and under Kildare/ Kildare/Newbridge: Newbridge: 20%, 20%, of respondentsof respondents either either Maynooth:Maynooth: 31% 31% stronglystrongly disagreed disagreed or or Cellbridge/Cellbridge/ Lexlip: 20% Lexlip: 20% disagreeddisagreed that they that feel they feel 83%83% fully includedfully included as equal as equal ‘Housing‘Housing for Roma for family’ Roma family’ of respondentsof respondents were aged were aged citizens citizensin County in CountyKildare Kildare ‘Plan for‘Plan housing for housing for big family for big in family council’ in council’ 54 out54 of outthe of69 the (78%) 69 (78%) 21- 59 21- 59 ‘Clinic for‘Clinic Roma for in Roma Kildare’ in Kildare’ respondentsrespondents identified identified ‘More skills‘More (Course) skills (Course) for Roma for Roma housinghousing as the main as the barrier main barrier 34%34% 1% 1% to inclusionto inclusion Space forSpace Roma for advocacy Roma advocacy of Romaof people Roma identifiedpeople identified of respondentsof respondents were aged were aged Help forHelp those for that those are thathomeless are homeless (food) (food) employmentemployment as a thematic as a thematic 60+ 60+ priority forpriority the inclusion for the inclusion BuildingBuilding for young for people young andpeople advocacy- and advocacy- for help forwith help young with people young people strategystrategy

100%100% of Romaof respondents Roma respondents agreed agreed that theythat face they barriers face barriersin in inclusioninclusion in County in CountyKildare Kildare

32 32 33 33 FOCUS GROUP FINDINGS (ROMA) There appears to be a lack of understanding of rights and entitlements amongst the Roma community. We understand that Habitual Resident Condition appears in social welfare legislation and does not apply to social housing. Local authorities have different residence rules for entitlement to social housing which nationally falls under the remit of the Department of Housing, Five focus groups were facilitated with 54 participants. The findings of the focus groups are Planning and Local Government. presented within the thematic priorities as identified by the members of the Roma community. • Several key trends which emerged during the focus group sessions are presented below. ‘At the moment I live with my daughter and her family, as I am not resident, I cannot apply for a house’ (Roma Woman – Mid Kildare)

The term “habitually resident” generally conveys a degree of permanence – meaning that a person has been in Ireland for some time, from a date in the past, and is intending to stay for a period HOUSING / ACCOMMODATION into the foreseeable future. The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has a Habitual Residence Condition applied in law on the entitlement to access selected social assistance payments. The HRC condition is defined for the purposes of social welfare payments Feedback resoundingly identified Housing/ Accommodation as the number 1 priority for Roma only. Other government departments apply different legislative basis and conditions. The people: disconnect and misunderstanding of rights and entitlements is causing housing stress for many Roma families and is an area of concern in the context of this strategy. • ‘I lived in a home, there were 11 of us, the landlord evicted us with 48 hours’ notice, we were on the street and no one would help us, children put onto the street, it is Ireland in 2018, how does this happen and who cares?’ (Young Roma Man - South Kildare) • ‘I have applied for over 150 houses, I have been turned down every time because people do not want Roma in their houses, landlords can do what they want.’ (Older Roma Man – Mid Kildare) • ‘There are Roma people living on the streets of Kildare.’ (Young Roma Man - Mid Kildare) • I know of Roma people living in an old warehouse, it is dangerous. (Roma Woman – Mid Kildare) • ‘Roma people have big families, we have no houses available big enough, we will never get a home’ (Roma Woman – South Kildare)

The Roma people who took part in the consultation provided numerous real-life examples of how the Housing/ Accommodation issue impacted upon them. The feedback has highlighted issues such as homelessness and overcrowding. Many Roma families do not have a secure tenancy, particularly in relation to private landlords. Consultations have established that many Roma families are subject to short notice evictions, this can be based on a wide range of issues, including family size. Short term evictions are usually successful due to a lack of knowledge among Roma of their rights and entitlements as tenants, as well as not knowing where they can get information and advocacy. This would appear to create a high level of instability for Roma families:

• ‘How can we be equal? How can we be included? I cannot plan for my family as I don’t even know if we can stay in our home, I know the door could knock and the landlord could put us out onto the street with no support, my children were born in Ireland yet we have no rights and no support’ (Roma Man, South Kildare) Photo credit: James Fraher from his exhibition Roma: One People, Many Lives.

34 35 FOCUSFOCUS GROUP GROUP FINDINGS FINDINGS (ROMA) (ROMA) There appearsThere to appears be a lack to be of a understanding lack of understanding of rights ofand rights entitlements and entitlements amongst amongst the Roma the Roma community.community. We understand We understand that Habitual that Resident Habitual ConditionResident Condition appears in appears social welfare in social legislation welfare legislation and doesand not does apply not to apply social to housing. social housing.Local authorities Local authorities have different have different residence residence rules for rules for entitlemententitlement to social housing to social which housing nationally which nationallyfalls under falls the under remit ofthe the remit Department of the Department of Housing, of Housing, Five focusFive groups focus were groups facilitated were facilitated with 54 participants. with 54 participants. The findings The findings of the focus of the groups focus are groups are Planning andPlanning Local and Government. Local Government. presentedpresented within the within thematic the thematicpriorities aspriorities identified as identified by the members by the membersof the Roma of the community. Roma community. • • Several keySeveral trends key which trends emerged which emergedduring the during focus thegroup focus sessions group aresessions presented are presented below. below. ‘At the moment‘At the moment I live with I live my with daughter my daughter and her and family, her as family, I am notas I am not resident,resident, I cannot I applycannot for apply a house’ for a house’(Roma Woman (Roma – WomanMid Kildare) – Mid Kildare)

The term “habituallyThe term “habitually resident” generallyresident” conveysgenerally a conveys degree ofa degree permanence of permanence – meaning – thatmeaning a person that a person has beenh ina sIreland been infor Ireland some fortime, some from time, a date from in thea date past, in theand past,is intending and is intendingto stay for to a stay peri odfor a period HOUSINGHOUSING / ACCOMMODATION / ACCOMMODATION into the foreseeableinto the foreseeable future. The futur Departmente. The Department of Emplo ymentof Emplo Affairsyment and A ffairsSocial and Protection Social Protection has a has a Habitual ResidenceHabitual Residence Condition Condition applied ina ppliedlaw on in the law entitlement on the entitlement to access to saccesselected sselectedocial social assistanceassistance payments. payments. The HRC Thecondition HRC cois definedndition is for defined the purpo for theses purpo of socialses welfare of social payments welfare payments FeedbackFeedback resoundingly resoundingly identified identified Housing/ Housing/Accommodation Accommodation as the number as the 1 numberpriority for1 priority Roma for Roma only. Otheronly government. Other government departments departments apply different apply different legislative legislative basis and basis conditions. and conditions. The The people: people: disconnectdisconnect and misunderstanding and misunderstanding of rights ofan drights entitlements and entitlements is causing is housingcausing stresshousing fo rstress for many Romamany families Roma and families is an areaand isof an concern area of in concern the context in the of context this strateg of thisy. strategy. • ‘I lived• in‘I liveda home, in a there home, were there 11 were of us, 11 the of landlordus, the landlord evicted evictedus with us48 with 48 hours’ notichours’e, wenotic weree, we on were the street on the and street no oneand wouldno one help would us, help children us, children put ontoput the onto street, the it str iseet, Ireland it is inIreland 2018, in how 2018, does how this does happen this happen and who and who cares?’ car(Younges?’ Roma (Young Man Roma - South Man Kildare - South) Kildare) • ‘I have• applied‘I have appliedfor over for 150 over houses, 150 houses, I have beenI have turned been downturned every down every time becaustime ebecaus peoplee peopledo not wantdo not Roma want in Roma their inhouses, their houses, landlords landlords can can do whatdo they what want they.’ (Older want Roma.’ (Older Man Roma – Mid Man Kildare) – Mid Kildare) • ‘There• are‘There Roma are people Roma livingpeople on living the streets on the streetsof Kildare.’ of Kildare.’ (Young Roma(Young Man Roma - Mid Man Kildare) - Mid Kildare) • I know• ofI know Roma of people Roma livingpeople in living an old in warehouse, an old warehouse, it is dangerous. it is dangerous. (Roma Woman(Roma – WomanMid Kildare) – Mid Kildare) • ‘Roma• people‘Roma peoplehave big have families, big families, we have we no have houses no housesavailable available big big enough,enough, we will never we will get never a home’ get a (Roma home’ Woman (Roma – WomanSouth Kildare – South) Kildare)

The RomaThe people Roma who people took whopart tookin the part consultation in the consultation provided numerousprovided numerous real-life examples real-life examples of how of how the Housing/the Housing/Accommodation Accommodation issue impacted issue impactedupon them. upon The them. feedback The feedbackhas highlighted has highlighted issues issues such as homelessnesssuch as homelessness and overcrowding. and overcrowding. Many Roma Many families Roma do families not have do nota secure have atenancy, secure tenancy, particularlyparticularly in relation in to relation private to landlords. private landlords. Consultations Consultations have established have established that many that Roma many Roma families arefamilies subject are to subject short notice to short evictions, notice evictions,this can be this based can beon baseda wide onrange a wide of issues, range ofincluding issues, including family size.family Short size. term Short evictions term evictionsare usually are successful usually successful due to a lack due ofto knowledge a lack of knowledge among Roma among Roma of their rightsof their and rights entitlements and entitlements as tenants, as as tenants, well as asnot well knowing as not where knowing they where can getthey information can get information and advocacy.and advocacy. This would This appear would to appear create ato high create level a highof instability level of instabilityfor Roma forfamilies: Roma families:

• ‘How• can‘How we canbe equal? we be Howequal? can How we canbe included? we be included? I cannot I cannotplan for plan my for my family asfamily I don as’t even I don know’t even if knowwe can if westay can in ourstay home, in our I home,know theI know door the door could knocouldck and kno theck and landlord the landlord could put could us output ontous out the onto street the with street no with no support,supp my ort,children my children were born were in bornIreland in yetIreland we haveyet we no have rights no and rights no and no support’s upport’(Roma Man, (Roma South Man, Kildare) South Kildare) Photo credit:Photo James credit: Fraher James from Fraher his exhibition from his Roma: exhibition One Roma:People, One Many People, Lives. Many Lives.

34 34 35 35 EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION

Access to employment is a major challenge for Roma people. Those consulted appear to Emerging as a cross cutting theme, the feedback is similar to that expressed by the Traveller reference employment as the catalyst or impetus for addressing other issues such as community: housing, poverty and poor health. • ‘We get followed around in shops as if we are going to steal something.’ • (Roma Woman – South Kildare) ‘Roma people are being denied work because of who we are.’ • (Young Roma Man – Mid Kildare) ‘I know of Roma people in the last few days being abused on the • streets because they are Roma.’ (Roma Man – Mid Kildare) ‘There is no work for Roma people, who would give us a job?’ • (Young Roma Man – Mid Kildare) ‘When Roma people are trying to access services there can be language barriers, this disadvantages us when trying to have our • ‘There are not enough jobs, Roma people cannot get work no matter needs met’ (Roma Woman – South Kildare) how hard we try.’ (Roma Man – Mid Kildare) • • ‘In school I got teased and called a gypsy.’ (Young Roma Man – Mid Kildare) ‘Employers are careful not to make it look like racism, but they do not • want to hire Roma people.’ (Roma Man – Mid Kildare) ‘Roma women in traditional dress sometimes get abuse on the streets.’ • (Roma Woman – South Kildare) ‘Language barriers and literacy are big issues for Roma people • seeking work, particularly older Roma people’ (Roma Woman – South Kildare) ‘If me and my friends walk into a shop the security guard follows us, it’s embarrassing.’ (Young Roma Woman – Mid Kildare) • ‘If work is available the last people who will get that work is a Roma person, whether they are best for the job or not’. (Roma Man – South Kildare) FACILITIES/ RESOURCES POVERTY • ‘Roma people have no place to go for help or even to come together as a community (Roma Man’ – South Kildare) The consultation process with Roma people identified that many Roma families are living in • ‘Roma people need a centre, we meet at our houses or in the streets, poverty: this annoys the local people, we are a community that likes to be • together, this is not possible in Kildare’ (Roma Women – Mid Kildare) ‘Roma people do not have much money, some have to beg on the street • ‘When we have troubles or problems, we have no one who helps us, we to feed their families, this is a very bad situation’. (Roma Man – Mid Kildare) need someone who can support us in the community (Roma Man – South • ‘I know of Roma people who will not eat for days to ensure the children Kildare) have food’. (Roma Man – Mid Kildare) CULTURAL DIVERSITY • ‘Rent is so high, some landlords charge €750.00 per month, many Roma people have nothing left after that. (Roma Woman – South Kildare) • ‘Local people do not know the Roma culture, it is positive, we would like to be able to tell local people about who we are’. (Roma Young Woman – Mid Kildare) • ‘The Roma culture should be more widely understood so that settled people understand that we are good people with a positive culture’. (Roma Man – South Kildare)

36 37 EMPLOYMENTEMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATIONDISCRIMINATION

Access toAccess employment to employment is a major is challengea major challenge for Roma for people. Roma Those people. consulted Those consulted appear to appear to EmergingEmerging as a cross as cutting a cross theme, cutting the theme, feedback the feedback is similar is to similar that expressed to that expressed by the Traveller by the Traveller referencereference employment employment as the catalystas the catalystor impetus or impetusfor addressing for addressing other issues other suchissues as such as community:community: housing, povertyhousing, and poverty poor andhealth. poor health. • • ‘We get‘We followed get followed around aroundin shops in as shops if we as are if goingwe are to going steal to something.’ steal something.’ • • (Roma Woman(Roma – Woman South Kildare) – South Kildare) ‘Roma people‘Roma peopleare being are denied being deniedwork because work because of who weof who are.’ we are.’ • • (Young Roma(Young Man Roma – Mid Man Kildare – Mid) Kildare) ‘I know‘I ofknow Roma of peopleRoma peoplein the lastin the few last days few being days abusedbeing abused on the on the • • streets strbecauseeets because they are they Roma.’ are (RomaRoma.’ Man (Roma – Mid Man Kildare) – Mid Kildare) ‘There is‘There no work is no for work Roma for people, Roma people, who would who give would us givea job?’ us a job?’ • • (Young Roma(Young Man Roma – Mid Man Kildare – Mid) Kildare) ‘When ‘RomaWhen peopleRoma peopleare trying are tryingto access to accessservices services there canthere be can be languagelanguage barrier s,barrier this s,disadvantages this disadvantages us when us tryingwhen totrying have to our have our • ‘There• are‘There not areenough not enough jobs, Roma jobs, people Roma peoplecannot cannotget work get no work matter no matter needs met’needs (Roma met’ Woman (Roma – Woman South Kildare) – South Kildare) how hardho wew hard try.’ we(Roma try.’ Man (Roma – Mid Man Kildare – Mid) Kildare) • • • • ‘In school ‘In Ischool got teased I got teasedand called and a called gypsy.’ a gypsy.’(Young Roma (Young Man Roma – Mid Man Kildare) – Mid Kildare) ‘Employers‘Employers are careful are carefulnot to make not to it make look likeit look racism, like racism,but they but do they not do not • • want towant hire Roma to hire people.’ Roma people.’ (Roma Man (Roma – Mid Man Kildare – Mid) Kildare) ‘Roma women‘Roma women in traditional in traditional dress sometimes dress sometimes get abuse get on abuse the streets.’ on the streets.’ • • (Roma Woman(Roma – Woman South Kildare) – South Kildare) ‘Language‘Language barriers barriers and literacy and literacy are big are issues big issuesfor Roma for peopleRoma people • • seekings work,eeking particularly work, particularly older Roma older people’ Roma people’ (Roma Woman (Roma – Woman South Kildare – South) Kildare) ‘If me and‘If me my andfriends my friendswalk into walk a shop into thea shop security the security guard follows guard followsus, it’s us, it’s embarrassing.’embarrassing.’ (Young Roma (Young Woman Roma – Woman Mid Kildare) – Mid Kildare) • ‘If work• ‘If is work available is available the last the people last peoplewho will who get will that get work that is work a Roma is a Roma person,p whethererson, whether they are they best are for best the jobfor theor not’. job or(Roma not’. Man (Roma – South Man Kildare – South) Kildare) FACILITIES/FACILITIES/ RESOURCES RESOURCES POVERTYPOVERTY • ‘Roma• people‘Roma peoplehave no have place no to place go for to help go for or helpeven or to even come to together come together as as a communitya community (Roma Man’ (Roma – South Man’ Kildare) – South Kildare) The consultationThe consultation process processwith Roma with people Roma identified people identified that many that Romamany families Roma arefamilies living in are living in • ‘Roma• people‘Roma peopleneed a needcentre, a centre,we meet we at meet our housesat our houses or in the or streets, in the streets, poverty: poverty: this annothisys annothe yslocal the people, local people, we are wea communityare a community that likes that to likes be to be • • together,together, this is not this possible is not possible in Kildare’ in Kildare’ (Roma Women (Roma – Women Mid Kildare) – Mid Kildare) ‘Roma people‘Roma peopledo not have do not much have money, much money,some have some to have beg on to begthe street on the street • ‘When• we‘When have we troubles have troubles or problems, or problems, we have we no have one nowho one helps who us, helps we us, we to feed ttheiro feed families, their families, this is a this very is bad a very situation’. bad situation’. (Roma Man (Roma – Mid Man Kildare) – Mid Kildare) need someoneneed someone who can who support can support us in the us community in the community (Roma Man (Roma – South Man – South • ‘I know• ‘Iof know Roma of people Roma peoplewho will who not willeat notfor dayseat for to days ensure to ensurethe children the children Kildare) Kildare) have food’.have (Roma food’. Man (Roma – Mid Man Kildare) – Mid Kildare) CULTURALCULTURAL DIVERSITY DIVERSITY • ‘Rent• is‘Rent so high, is so some high, landlordssome landlords charge charge€750.00 €750.00 per month, per month,many many Roma peopleRoma peoplehave nothing have nothing left after left that. after (Roma that. Woman (Roma – Woman South Kildare) – South Kildare) • • ‘Local people‘Local peopledo not knowdo not the know Roma the culture, Roma culture, it is positive, it is positive, we would we like would like to be ableto beto tellable local to tell people local peopleabout who about we who are’. we are’. (Roma Young(Roma Woman Young – Woman Mid Kildare) – Mid Kildare) • ‘The• Roma‘The culture Roma cultureshould shouldbe more be widely more understoodwidely understood so that sosettled that settled people punderstandeople understand that we that are wegood are people good peoplewith a positivewith a positive culture’. culture’. (Roma Man(Roma – South Man Kildare) – South Kildare)

36 36 37 37 CASECASE STUDYSTUDY -- II dodo notnot nownow believebelieve thatthat changechange willwill happen,happen, II havehave lostlost faithfaith thatthat changechange isis SS ROMAROMA COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY ppossibleossible.. II wwouldould liklikee ttoo thinkthink thatthat thisthis trattrategyegy willwill makmakee aa differencedifference,, butbut II dodo notnot thinkthink itit will.will. MyMy experienceexperience isis thatthat peoplepeople inin IrelandIreland inin generalgeneral areare veryvery againstagainst RomaRoma community.community. II don’tdon’t knowknow whywhy II justjust feelfeel it.it. ROMAROMA CASECASE STUDYSTUDY -- RACISM/RACISM/ DISCRIMINATIONDISCRIMINATION TheThe Roma Roma case case study study is is focused focused on on the the key key issue issue emerging emerging through through the the Roma Roma consultation consultation IfIf thisthis StrategyStrategy isis aboutabout anythinganything itit mustmust changechange people’speople’s mindsminds andand createcreate aa processprocess whichwhich isis Housing/Housing/ Accommodation.Accommodation. OnOn thethe eveningevening thatthat thethe originaloriginal casecase studystudy waswas toto betterbetter wayway ofof livingliving forfor us.us. WhatWhat cancan itit dodo forfor meme andand mymy family,family, II dodo notnot thinkthink occur,occur, thethe researcherresearcher attendedattended aa RomaRoma familyfamily homehome inin Kildare,Kildare, alongalong withwith locallocal RomaRoma communitycommunity thatthat youyou cancan helphelp meme oror others?others? EvenEven thethe nightnight MichaelMichael andand thethe communitycommunity workersworkers fromfrom CKLP.CKLP. TheThe scenescene waswas oneone ofof chaoschaos asas thethe landlordlandlord ofof thethe househouse hadhad justjust leftleft alongalong workersworkers camecame toto mymy househouse theythey couldcould dodo nothingnothing toto stopstop usus beingbeing withwith thethe GardaGarda Síochána.Síochána. TheThe familyfamily hadhad beenbeen handedhanded anan evictioneviction orderorder andand givengiven oneone hourhour toto pputut ontoonto thethe street,street, soso II dodo notnot thinkthink thatthat changechange willwill happen.happen. leaveleave thethe house.house. MembersMembers ofof thethe familyfamily werewere pilingpiling theirtheir possessionspossessions intointo bags,bags, thethe mothermother andand CC .. CCoouunncciill fatherfather genuinelygenuinely diddid notnot seemseem toto knowknow wherewhere thethe familyfamily wouldwould sleepsleep thatthat night.night. TheThe casecase studystudy IfIf thethe KildareKildare oo saysay youyou areare workingworking togethertogether toto interviewinterview waswas carriedcarried outout atat aa laterlater date.date. supportsupport RomaRoma howhow comecome theythey diddid notnot helphelp us,us, oror howhow comecome theythey would would not not help help the the community community worker worker to to help help us, us, they they TheThe fatherfather ofof thethe familyfamily isis aa RomaRoma manman inin hishis latelate 30’s.30’s. HeHe arrivedarrived inin IrelandIreland inin 1996,1996, hashas livedlived inin saidsaid nothingnothing toto her,her, II thinkthink itit isis becausebecause theythey knowknow thatthat KildareKildare forfor 1313 yearsyears andand isis marriedmarried withwith sixsix children.children. TheThe familyfamily hadhad livedlived inin thethe samesame househouse forfor sheshe (the(the communitycommunity worker)worker) isis RomaRoma asas well,well, theythey dodo notnot eighteight years.years. HeHe toldtold usus thethe following:following: reallyreally wantwant change,change, II amam sorrysorry toto talktalk likelike thisthis butbut itit isis whatwhat II feel.feel. “We“We had had lived lived in in the the house house for for eight eight years years and and had had no no trouble trouble when when we we got got a a letter letter from from the the SS landlordlandlord askingasking usus toto leave.leave. II viewedviewed overover eightyeighty houseshouses forfor mymy family,family, nono landlordlandlord wouldwould TThhiiss trategytrategy shouldshould helphelp peoplepeople toto havehave aa househouse withwith offeroffer usus aa house,house, itit cancan onlyonly bebe becausebecause wewe areare Roma.Roma. WeWe hadhad nowherenowhere toto go,go, nowherenowhere nono discrimination.discrimination. ItIt needsneeds toto helphelp RomaRoma fromfrom ourour toto sleepsleep butbut thethe judgejudge grantedgranted anan evictioneviction orderorder andand wewe werewere outout onon thethe street.street. NoNo oneone communitcommunityy ttoo havhavee aa sasayy ttoo inin decisiondecision makingmaking andand cared,cared, wewe hadhad nowherenowhere toto turn.turn. makingmaking changeschanges forfor ourselves.”ourselves.”

ForFor allall thethe familyfamily itit waswas veryvery hard.hard. MyMy wifewife andand mymy daughterdaughter werewere inin thethe courtcourt withwith goodgood faithfaith inin justicejustice inin Ireland.Ireland. WeWe diddid notnot thinkthink thatthat thethe judgejudge wouldwould askask usus toto leaveleave PPhhotooto cred creditit: :James James F Frraahherer f fromrom his his ex exhhibiibittioionn Roma: Roma: One One P People,eople, ManyMany Lives. Lives. onon thethe samesame day.day. WeWe couldcould notnot believebelieve thatthat somethingsomething likelike thatthat couldcould happen.happen. AsAs aa parentparent youyou feelfeel helplesshelpless whenwhen somethingsomething likelike thatthat isis happening.happening. WhatWhat isis mymy childrenchildren goinggoing toto learnlearn fromfrom that?that? WhatWhat cancan II telltell themthem whenwhen wewe areare outout onon thethe street?street?

MyMy childrenchildren areare veryvery affectedaffected emotional.emotional. TheyThey areare crying,crying, mymy wifewife isis threethree monthsmonths pregnant.pregnant. II cannotcannot findfind wordswords forfor howhow wewe feelfeel letlet down,down, disappointed.disappointed. ItIt isis exactlyexactly asas mymy parentsparents toldtold me….me…. wewe areare RomaRoma nono oneone willwill helphelp us.us. IfIf youyou areare poorpoor inin modernmodern IrelandIreland nono oneone willwill reallyreally care,care, it’sit’s aa veryvery lowlow placeplace toto be.be. AsAs aa fatherfather andand aa husband,husband, II havehave nevernever feltfelt soso helpless.helpless.

WeWe havehave nono helphelp apartapart fromfrom aa locallocal RomaRoma communitycommunity workerworker whowho wentwent withwith mymy wifewife thethe nextnext dayday toto KildareKildare CountyCounty Council.Council. TheyThey registeredregistered usus asas homelesshomeless andand thatthat waswas all.all. ToTo bebe honesthonest theythey dodo notnot carecare tootoo much,much, andand wewe alsoalso seesee thatthat thethe communitycommunity worker,worker, eveneven ifif sheshe wantswants toto help,help, peoplepeople areare notnot helpinghelping her.her. TheThe RomaRoma communitycommunity personperson worksworks veryvery hardhard forfor usus butbut inin KildareKildare CountyCounty CouncilCouncil nono oneone knewknew her.her. WeWe allall feltfelt helplesshelpless andand notnot supported.supported.

II livelive withwith mymy brother’sbrother’s ex-wife.ex-wife. SheShe hashas fourfour childrenchildren andand therethere areare threethree beds.beds. MyMy mothermother isis living living there there as as well. well. So, So, we we are are six six adults adults (including (including a a pregnant pregnant woman) woman) and and eight eight children children inin threethree beds.beds. TheThe conditionsconditions areare veryvery badbad butbut whowho cares?cares? NoNo oneone carescares becausebecause wewe areare Roma.Roma.

3838 3939 CASECASECASE STUDYSTUDY STUDY -- - II Idodo do notnot not nownow now believebelieve believe thatthat that changechange change willwill will happen,happen, happen, II Ihavehave have lostlost lost faithfaith faith thatthat that changechange change isis is SSS ROMAROMAROMA COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY COMMUNITY pppossibleossibleossible.. I.I wIw wouldouldould liklik likee e tto oto thinkthink think thatthat that thisthis this trattrattrategyegyegy willwill will makmak makee e aa a differencedifference difference,, but,but but II doIdo do notnotnot thinkthink think itit it will.will. will. MyMy My experienceexperience experience isis is thatthat that peoplepeople people inin in IrelandIreland Ireland inin in generalgeneral general areare are veryvery very againstagainstagainst RomaRoma Roma community.community. community. II don’tIdon’t don’t knowknow know whywhy why II justIjust just feelfeel feel it.it. it. ROMAROMAROMA CASECASE CASE STUDYSTUDY STUDY -- RACISM/-RACISM/ RACISM/ DISCRIMINATIONDISCRIMINATION DISCRIMINATION TheTheThe Roma Roma Roma case case case study study study is is is focused focused focused on on on the the the key key key issue issue issue emerging emerging emerging through through through the the the Roma Roma Roma consultation consultation consultation IfIfIf thisthis this StrategyStrategy Strategy isis is aboutabout about anythinganything anything itit it mustmust must changechange change people’speople’s people’s mindsminds minds andand and createcreate create aa a processprocessprocess whichwhich which isis is Housing/Housing/ Housing/ Accommodation.Accommodation. Accommodation. OnOn On thethe the eveningevening evening thatthat that thethe the originaloriginal original casecase case studystudy study waswas was toto to betterbetterbetter wayway way ofof of livingliving living forfor for us.us. us. WhatWhat What cancan can itit it dodo do forfor for meme me andand and mymy my family,family, family, II doIdo do notnot not thinkthink think occur,occur,occur, thethe the researcherresearcher researcher attendedattended attended aa a RomaRoma Roma familyfamily family homehome home inin in Kildare,Kildare, Kildare, alongalong along withwith with locallocal local RomaRoma Roma communitycommunity community thatthatthat youyou you cancan can helphelp help meme me oror or others?others? others? EvenEven Even thethe the nightnight night MichaelMichael Michael andand and thethe the communitycommunity community workersworkersworkers fromfrom from CKLP.CKLP. CKLP. TheThe The scenescene scene waswas was oneone one ofof of chaoschaos chaos asas as thethe the landlordlandlord landlord ofof of thethe the househouse house hadhad had justjust just leftleft left alongalong along workersworkersworkers camecame came toto to mymy my househouse house theythey they couldcould could dodo do nothingnothing nothing toto to stopstop stop usus us beingbeing being withwithwith thethe the GardaGarda Garda Síochána.Síochána. Síochána. TheThe The familyfamily family hadhad had beenbeen been handedhanded handed anan an evictioneviction eviction orderorder order andand and givengiven given oneone one hourhour hour toto to pppututut ontoonto onto thethe the street,street, street, soso so II doIdo do notnot not thinkthink think thatthat that changechange change willwill will happen.happen. happen. leaveleaveleave thethe the house.house. house. MembersMembers Members ofof of thethe the familyfamily family werewere were pilingpiling piling theirtheir their possessionspossessions possessions intointo into bags,bags, bags, thethe the mothermother mother andand and CCC.. C.C Coouoununcncicillil fatherfatherfather genuinelygenuinely genuinely diddid did notnot not seemseem seem toto to knowknow know wherewhere where thethe the familyfamily family wouldwould would sleepsleep sleep thatthat that night.night. night. TheThe The casecase case studystudy study IfIfIf the thethe Kildare KildareKildare ooo say saysay you youyou are areare working workingworking together togethertogether to toto interviewinterviewinterview waswas was carriedcarried carried outout out atat at aa a laterlater later date.date. date. supportsupportsupport RomaRoma Roma howhow how comecome come theythey they diddid did notnot not helphelp help us,us, us, oror or howhow how comecome come theytheythey would would would not not not help help help the the the community community community worker worker worker to to to help help help us, us, us, they they they TheTheThe fatherfather father ofof of thethe the familyfamily family isis is aa a RomaRoma Roma manman man inin in hishis his latelate late 30’s.30’s. 30’s. HeHe He arrivedarrived arrived inin in IrelandIreland Ireland inin in 1996,1996, 1996, hashas has livedlived lived inin in saidsaidsaid nothingnothing nothing toto to her,her, her, II thinkIthink think itit it isis is becausebecause because theythey they knowknow know thatthat that KildareKildareKildare forfor for 1313 13 yearsyears years andand and isis is marriedmarried married withwith with sixsix six children.children. children. TheThe The familyfamily family hadhad had livedlived lived inin in thethe the samesame same househouse house forfor for shesheshe (the(the (the communitycommunity community worker)worker) worker) isis is RomaRoma Roma asas as well,well, well, theythey they dodo do notnot not eighteighteight years.years. years. HeHe He toldtold told usus us thethe the following:following: following: reallyreallyreally wantwant want change,change, change, II amIam am sorrysorry sorry toto to talktalk talk likelike like thisthis this butbut but itit it isis is whatwhatwhat II feel.Ifeel. feel. “We“We“We had had had lived lived lived in in in the the the house house house for for for eight eight eight years years years and and and had had had no no no trouble trouble trouble when when when we we we got got got a a aletter letter letter from from from the the the SSS landlordlandlordlandlord askingasking asking usus us toto to leave.leave. leave. II viewedIviewed viewed overover over eightyeighty eighty houseshouses houses forfor for mymy my family,family, family, nono no landlordlandlord landlord wouldwould would TTThhihissi s trategytrategytrategy shouldshould should helphelp help peoplepeople people toto to havehave have aa a househouse house withwith with offerofferoffer us usus a a ahouse, house,house, itit it can cancan onlyonlyonly bebebe becausebecausebecause wewewe are areare Roma.Roma.Roma. WeWeWe had hadhad nowhere nowherenowhere toto to go,go,go, nowhere nowherenowhere nonono discrimination. discrimination.discrimination. It ItIt needs needsneeds to toto help helphelp Roma RomaRoma from fromfrom our ourour tototo sleepsleep sleep butbut but thethe the judgejudge judge grantedgranted granted anan an evictioneviction eviction orderorder order andand and wewe we werewere were outout out onon on thethe the street.street. street. NoNo No oneone one communitcommunitcommunityy y tt ooto havhav havee e aa a sasa sayy y tt ooto inin in decisiondecision decision makingmaking making andand and cared,cared,cared, wewe we hadhad had nowherenowhere nowhere toto to turn.turn. turn. makingmakingmaking changeschanges changes forfor for ourselves.”ourselves.” ourselves.”

ForForFor allall all thethe the familyfamily family itit it waswas was veryvery very hard.hard. hard. MyMy My wifewife wife andand and mymy my daughterdaughter daughter werewere were inin in thethe the courtcourt court withwith with goodgoodgood faithfaith faith inin in justicejustice justice inin in Ireland.Ireland. Ireland. WeWe We diddid did notnot not thinkthink think thatthat that thethe the judgejudge judge wouldwould would askask ask usus us toto to leaveleave leave PPhPhotohotooto cred cred creditit: :itJames James: James F F rFraarhaherherer f fromrom from his his his ex ex exhhibihibiibittioiotionn nRoma: Roma: Roma: One One One P P eople,People,eople, ManyManyMany Lives. Lives. Lives. ononon thethe the samesame same day.day. day. WeWe We couldcould could notnot not believebelieve believe thatthat that somethingsomething something likelike like thatthat that couldcould could happen.happen. happen. AsAs As aa a parentparentparent youyou you feelfeel feel helplesshelpless helpless whenwhen when somethingsomething something likelike like thatthat that isis is happening.happening. happening. WhatWhat What isis is mymy my childrenchildren children goinggoinggoing toto to learnlearn learn fromfrom from that?that? that? WhatWhat What cancan can II tellItell tell themthem them whenwhen when wewe we areare are outout out onon on thethe the street?street? street?

MyMyMy childrenchildren children areare are veryvery very affectedaffected affected emotional. emotional.emotional. TheyTheyThey are areare crying, crying,crying, mymymy wifewifewife isis is threethree three monthsmonthsmonths pregnant.pregnant.pregnant. II cannotIcannot cannot findfind find wordswordswords forfor for how howhow wewewe feelfeel feel letlet let down,down,down, disappointed.disappointed.disappointed. ItIt It isis is exactly exactlyexactly as asas mymymy parentsparents parents toldtold told me….me…. me…. wewe we areare are RomaRoma Roma nono no oneone one willwill will helphelp help us.us. us. IfIf If youyou you areare are poorpoor poor inin in modernmodern modern IrelandIrelandIreland nono no oneone one willwill will reallyreally really care,care, care, it’sit’s it’s aa a veryvery very lowlow low placeplace place toto to be.be. be. AsAs As aa a fatherfather father andand and aa a husband,husband, husband, II I havehavehave nevernever never feltfelt felt soso so helpless.helpless. helpless.

WeWeWe havehave have nono no helphelp help apartapart apart fromfrom from aa a locallocal local RomaRoma Roma communitycommunity community workerworker worker whowho who wentwent went withwith with mymy my wifewife wife thethethe nextnext next dayday day toto to KildareKildare Kildare CountyCounty County Council.Council. Council. TheyThey They registeredregistered registered usus us asas as homelesshomeless homeless andand and thatthat that waswas was all.all.all. ToTo To bebe be honesthonest honest theythey they dodo do notnot not carecare care tootoo too much,much, much, andand and wewe we alsoalso also seesee see thatthat that thethe the communitycommunity community worker,worker, worker, eveneveneven ifif if sheshe she wantswants wants toto to help,help, help, peoplepeople people areare are notnot not helpinghelping helping her.her. her. TheThe The RomaRoma Roma communitycommunity community personperson person worksworks works veryveryvery hardhard hard forfor for usus us butbut but inin in KildareKildare Kildare CountyCounty County CouncilCouncil Council nono no oneone one knewknew knew her.her. her. WeWe We allall all feltfelt felt helplesshelpless helpless andand and notnot not supported.supported.supported.

II liveIlive live withwith with mymy my brother’sbrother’s brother’s ex-wife.ex-wife. ex-wife. SheShe She hashas has fourfour four childrenchildren children andand and therethere there areare are threethree three beds.beds. beds. MyMy My mothermother mother isisis living living living there there there as as as well. well. well. So, So, So, we we we are are are six six six adults adults adults (including (including (including a a apregnant pregnant pregnant woman) woman) woman) and and and eight eight eight children children children ininin threethree three beds.beds. beds. TheThe The conditionsconditions conditions areare are veryvery very badbad bad butbut but whowho who cares?cares? cares? NoNo No oneone one carescares cares becausebecause because wewe we areare are Roma.Roma.Roma.

383838 393939 SERVICE PROVIDERS KEY FINDINGS The key findings from a service provider perspective included: THEMATIC PRIORITIES (ROMA)

The consultation also included engagement with key statutory, voluntary and community-based • 34% Housing/ Accommodation stakeholders. This process involved a web-based survey that reached out to over 200 service • providers and yielded 30 responses including: 25% Cultural Identity • • HSE Primary Care 17% Discrimination • • School Completion Programme 14% Education • Naas and District Community Alert Whilst no service provider selected health as the number 1 priority, 18% chose health as the • number 2 priority for Roma people. In addition, no service providers selected Employment as Kildare Traveller Action the number 1 priority and only 8% chose employment as the number 2 priority for Roma people. • Department of Employment Affairs & Social Protection • Pavee Point Traveller & Roma Centre THEMATIC PRIORITIES (TRAVELLER)) • An Garda Siochana • 38% Discrimination

• South Western Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force • 32% Housing/ Accommodation • Foróige DPEI project • 17% Employment • KYS Naas Child and Family Project 8% of service providers identified Education as the number one priority, however a greater • Local Schools proportion of service providers (24%) ranked education as the second priority for Travellers. Only 8% of service providers ranked health as the number 1 priority, with 13% ranking it as the second • Local Councillors highest priority for Traveller people.

Service providers were asked the following question: The service provider findings equate with the priorities identified by the Traveller and Roma Do you believe that Traveller and Roma people are fully included as equal citizens in Kildare? communities, particularly in relation to the number 1 issues for both communities, namely Discrimination and Housing/ Accommodation respectively. The table below provides an overview of service provider perception against that of Roma and Travellers: The survey also asked the service providers to identify priority areas for action. These include: • Service Providers Traveller Roma Housing Agreed/ Strongly Agreed 17% 10% 6% • Education Neither Agree nor Disagree 33% 8% 6% • Support Disagree/ Strongly Disagree 50% 83% 88 % • Employment

The feedback appears to suggest a disconnect between the views of service providers and the communities themselves. Between 30 – 40% more Traveller and Roma people disagree or strongly disagree that they are fully included as equals than the service providers.

A third of the service providers neither agreed nor disagreed. This a significant gap in relation to the reality/ perception of inclusion between the Traveller and Roma communities in Kildare and those who are providing services to them.

40 41 SERVICESERVICE PROVIDERS PROVIDERS KEY KEY FINDINGS FINDINGS The keyThe findings key findings from a servicefrom a serviceprovider providerperspective perspective included: included: THEMATICTHEMATIC PRIORITIES PRIORITIES (ROMA) (ROMA)

The consultationThe consultation also included also included engagement engagement with key with statutory, key statutory, voluntary voluntary and community-based and community-based • 34% •Housing/ 34% Housing/ Accommodation Accommodation stakeholders.stakeholders. This process This process involved involved a web-based a web-based survey thatsurvey reached that reached out to over out to200 over service 200 service • • providersproviders and yielded and 30yielded responses 30 responses including: including: 25% Cultural25% CulturalIdentity Identity • • • HSE Primary• HSE PrimaryCare Care 17% Discrimination17% Discrimination • • • School• CompletionSchool Completion Programme Programme 14% Education14% Education • Naas• and Naas District and CommunityDistrict Community Alert Alert Whilst noWhilst service no service provider provider selected selected health as health the number as the number 1 priority, 1 priority,18% chose 18% health chose as health the as the • • numbernumber 2 priority 2 forpriority Roma for people. Roma people. In addition, In addition, no service no service providers providers selected selected Employment Employment as as Kildare TravellerKildare Traveller Action Action the numberthe number 1 priority 1 andpriority only and 8% only chose 8% employment chose employment as the number as the number 2 priority 2 forpriority Roma for people. Roma people. • Department• Department of Employment of Employment Affairs Affairs& Social & ProtectionSocial Protection • Pavee• Point Pavee Traveller Point Traveller & Roma & Centre Roma Centre THEMATICTHEMATIC PRIORITIES PRIORITIES (TRAVELLER)) (TRAVELLER)) • An Garda• An Siochana Garda Siochana • 38% •Discrimination 38% Discrimination

• South• Western South Western Regional Regional Drug & AlcoholDrug & AlcoholTask Force Task Force • 32% •Housing/ 32% Housing/ Accommodation Accommodation • Foróige• ForóigeDPEI project DPEI project • 17% •Employment 17% Employment • • KYS NaasKYS Child Naas and Child Family and Project Family Project 8% of service8% of service providers providers identified identified Education Education as the as numberthe number one priority, one priority, however however a greater a greater • Local• Schools Local Schools proportionproportion of service of serviceproviders providers (24%) ranked (24%) educationranked education as the second as the secondpriority forpriority Travellers. for Travellers. Only Only 8% of service8% of serviceproviders providers ranked healthranked as health the number as the number 1 priority, 1 withpriority, 13% with ranking 13% rankingit as the it second as the second • Local• Councillors Local Councillors highest highestpriority forpriority Traveller for Traveller people. people.

Service Serviceproviders providers were asked were the asked following the following question: question: The serviceThe service provider provider findings findings equate equatewith the with priorities the priorities identified identified by the Traveller by the Traveller and Roma and Roma Do you believeDo you believe that Traveller that Traveller and Roma and people Roma peopleare fully are included fully included as equal as citizens equal citizens in Kildare? in Kildare? communities,communities, particularly particularly in relation in relationto the numberto the number 1 issues 1 forissues both for communities, both communities, namely namely DiscriminationDiscrimination and Housing/ and Housing/ Accommodation Accommodation respectively. respectively. The tableThe below table provides below provides an overview an overview of service of serviceprovider provider perception perception against againstthat of Romathat of and Roma and Travellers:Travellers: The surveyThe also survey asked also the asked service the serviceproviders providers to identify to identifypriority areaspriority for areas action. for These action. include: These include: • • ServiceService Providers Providers Traveller Traveller Roma Roma HousingHousing Agreed/ Agreed/ Strongly Strongly Agreed Agreed 17% 17% 10% 10% 6% 6% • Education• Education Neither Neither Agree norAgree Disagree nor Disagree 33% 33% 8% 8% 6% 6% • Support• Support Disagr ee/Disagr Stronglyee/ Strongly Disagree Disagree 50% 50% 83% 83% 88 % 88 % • Employment• Employment

The feedbackThe feedback appears appears to suggest to suggest a disconnect a disconnect between between the views the of views service of service providers providers and and the communitiesthe communities themselves. themselves. Between Between 30 – 40% 30 more– 40% Traveller more Traveller and Roma and people Roma disagreepeople disagree or or stronglystrongly disagree disagree that they that are they fully areincluded fully included as equals as than equals the than service the serviceproviders. providers.

A third ofA thethird service of the serviceproviders providers neither agreedneither noragreed disagreed. nor disagreed. This a significant This a significant gap in relation gap in relationto to the reality/the perceptionreality/ perception of inclusion of inclusion between between the Traveller the Traveller and Roma and communities Roma communities in Kildare in andKildare and those whothose are who providing are providing services services to them. to them.

40 40 41 41 H E E The emphasis on headline issues such as ousing, mployment and ducation also reflect STRATEGY PRIORITIES the key architecture of the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy.

12 service providers offered further qualitative feedback. The feedback was focused on the need to ensure a collaborative approach to implementation, promoting awareness and cultural OVERARCHING PRIORITY S - identity and the need for the trategy to be co designed and have ownership from the Roma and Traveller communities:

• ‘Mechanisms need to be put in place to ensure recommended interagency actions are delivered.’ • ‘It is very important that the general public be made more NTRIS PRIORITIES RACISM AND DISCRIMINATION aware and understand better the specific needs of T ravellers and how they can play a part together with Cultural Identity PRIORITIES FOR PRIORITIES FOR the Settled Community in the community.’ TRAVELLERS IN ROMA IN • ‘Breaking the cycle of discrimination begins from a young COUNTY KILDARE COUNTY KILDARE age. Promoting culture and identity from primary age is Education essential.’ • ‘Roma and Travellers representatives should be fully S Employment and engaged and part of the development of this trategy.’ The Traveller Economy S • ‘If any trategy is to succeed all parties must co-operate HOUSING & HOUSING & ACCOMMODATION ACCOMMODATION fully in an honest and straight forward manner.’ Children and Youth The input and view from service providers and other stakeholders, as well as the evident barriers and challenges presented by statistical data suggests that a dual focus should be adopted in S this 5 year trategy of addressing the immediate and urgent barriers to inclusion identified by Health Traveller and Roma people, as well as providing long term, strategic support and infrastructure for both communities to move beyond discrimination and poverty. Gender Equality EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT SUMMARY FINDINGS Anti-Discrimination and Equality The focus of the consultation was to enable Traveller and Roma communities to identify the issues that most affect them, as they see it. The involvement of service providers and the Accommodation review of statistical information and profiles has helped underpin and contextualise much EDUCATION EDUCATION of these findings. The following graph summarises the key priorities for Roma and Traveller communities. An overarching priority for both Roma and Traveller communities of ‘Racism and Discrimination’ is included at the apex. The specific priorities for each community are Traveller and Roma then listed below. The priorities from the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy are Communities included on the left to highlight alignment. S Public Services These priorities form the basis against which the trategy action plan has been HEALTH developed. Section 9 sets out a range of key objectives, actions and responsibilities under each of the themes.

42 43 H HE E E E The emphasisThe emphasis on headline on headline issues such issues as suchousing as , ousingmployment, mplo andyment duc andation duc alsoation reflect als o reflect STRATEGYSTRATEGY PRIORITIES PRIORITIES the key architecturethe key architecture of the National of the NationalTraveller Tandraveller Roma and Inclusion Roma Inclusion Strategy .Strategy.

12 service12 providers service providers offered furtheroffered qualitativefurther qualitative feedback. feedback. The feedback The feedback was focused was focusedon the need on the need to ensureto ae nsurecollaborative a collaborative approach approach to implementation, to implementation, promoting promoting awareness awareness and cultural and cultural OVERARCHINGOVERARCHING PRIORITY PRIORITY S S - - identity aidentitynd the aneednd the for need the fortrategy the totrategy be co todesigned be co designed and hav eand ownership have ownership from the from Roma the Roma and Travellerand Tcommunities:raveller communities: • • ‘Mechanisms‘Mechanisms need to need be put to bein place put in to place ensure to ensure recommendedrecommended interagency interagency actions actions are delivered.’ are delivered.’ • • ‘It is very‘It isimportant very important that the that general the general public bepublic made be more made more NTRISNTRIS PRIORITIES PRIORITIES RACISMRACISM AND DISCRIMINATION AND DISCRIMINATION aware andaware understand and understand better betterthe specific the specific needs ofneeds of T T ravellersravellers and how and they how can they play can a partplay together a part together with with Cultural Identity PRIORITIESPRIORITIES FOR FORPRIORITIESPRIORITIES FOR FOR the Settledthe Settled Comm unityComm inunity the communit in the community.’ y.’ Cultural Identity • TRAVELLERSTRAVELLERS IN IN ROMAROMA IN IN • ‘Breaking‘Breaking the cycle the of cycle discrimina of discrimination beginstion begins from a fromyoung a young COUNTYCOUNTY KILDARE KILDARECOUNTYCOUNTY KILDARE KILDARE age. Promotingage. Promoting culture c andulture identity and identity from primary from primary age is age is EducationEducation essential.’essential.’ • • ‘Roma and‘Roma Travellers and Travellers representati representatives shouldves should be fully be fully S S EmploymentEmployment and and engagedengaged and part and of part the developmeof the development of thisnt oftrateg this ytrateg.’ y.’ The TravellerThe Traveller Economy Economy • S S • ‘If any ‘Iftrategy any trategy is to succeed is to succeed all parties all parties must co-operate must co-operate HOUSINGHOUSING & & HOUSINGHOUSING & & fully in an honest and straight forward manner.’ ACCOMMODATIONACCOMMODATIONACCOMMODATIONACCOMMODATION fully in an honest and straight forward manner.’ ChildrenChildren and Youth and Youth The inputThe and input view and from view service from p serviceroviders p rovidersand other and stakeholders, other stakeholders, as well as as the well evident as the barriersevident barriers and challengesand challenges presented presented by statistical by statistical data suggests data suggests that a dual that focus a dual should focus be should adopted be adopted in in S S Health this 5 yearthis 5trategy year oftrategy addressing of addressing the immediate the immediate and urgent and barriers urgent tobarriers inclus toion inclus identifiedion identified by by Health Traveller Traveller and Roma and people, Roma people, as well as as well providing as providing long term, long strategic term, strategic support supp andort and infrastructureinfrastructure for both forcommunities both communities to move tobeyond move discbeyondrimination discrimination and povert andy. poverty. GenderGender Equality Equality EMPLOYMENTEMPLOYMENTEMPLOYMENTEMPLOYMENT SUMMARYSUMMARY FINDINGS FINDINGS Anti-DiscriminationAnti-Discrimination and and EqualityEquality The focusTh ofe focusthe consultation of the consultation was to enable was to T ravellerenable Tandraveller Roma and communities Roma communities to identify to the identify the issues thissuesat most th affectt most them, affect as them, they seeas they it. The see involvement it. The involvement of service of providersservice providers and the and the review of statistical information and profiles has helped underpin and contextualise much AccommodationAccommodation review of statistical information and profiles has helped underpin and contextualise much EDUCATIONEDUCATION EDUCATIONEDUCATION of these offindings. these findings. The following The following graph summarises graph summarises the key thepriorities key prioritiesfor Roma for and Roma Traveller and Traveller communities.communities. An overarching An overarching priority f orpriority both fRomaor both an Romad Traveller and Tcommunitiesraveller communities of ‘Racism of ‘Racism and Discrimination’ is included at the apex. The specific priorities for each community are TravellerTraveller and Roma and Roma and Discrimination’ is included at the apex. The specific priorities for each community are Communities then listedth ebelow.n listed The below. priorities The priorities from the from National the NationalTraveller Tandraveller Roma and Inclusion Roma Inclusion Strategy Strategy are are Communities includedi ncludedon the left on to the highlight left to highlight alignment. alignment. S S Public PublicServices Services These prioritiesThese priorities form the form basis the against basis against which the which trategy the trategy action plan action has plan been has been HEALTHHEALTH developed.developed. Section Section9 sets out9 sets a range out aof range key objectives,of key objectives, actions actionsand responsibilities and responsibilities under eachunder of theeach themes. of the themes.

42 42 43 43 SECTION 7: EXAMPLES OF BEST PRACTICE

This section offers several examples of existing projects that are working to tackle similar issues and challenges in other parts of Ireland. The projects referenced here are have been used to stimulate idea generation and thinking around potential actions under each of the priority themes for Roma and Traveller communities in Kildare.

Photo credit: James Fraher from his exhibition Roma: One People,44 Many Lives. 45 SECTION 7: EXAMPLES OF BEST PRACTICE

Photo credit: James Fraher from his exhibition Roma: One People,44 Many Lives. 45 NORTHSIDE TRAVELLER SUPPORT GROUP

The Northside Traveller Support Group was incorporated under the Companies Act in February 1998 now working under the Trading Name of TravAct (Company No.245190). TravAct which started as a small group of community minded individuals, from both the Traveller and the Settled Communities, has grown over the years to encompass six different projects funded t of Justice by the HSE, CDYSB, he Department , the DSP and the Darndale-Belcamp Initiative through the JI Scheme. Considering the very high quality of services being delivered by TravAct Wicklow Travellers Group Ltd. is a voluntary The Centre of Education and Resourcing over the years, the CDYSB in conjunction with the Pavee Point decided to transition their Youth the of community development organization that Travellers (CEART) became the realization Project to TravAct in end 2015 for carrying out more focussed Youth Work amongst the is comprised of Travellers and members of the goal. Sister Caitriona and the critical North Dublin Community of young Travellers. of the majority population. The group is Dominican Sisters played a vital role in committed to achieving human rights for Irish bringing this about. The substantial It is a tribute to the commitment of the Voluntary Board of Management that it has kept the Travellers. The origins of Wicklow Travellers’ investment by the Sisters was Organisation functioning smoothly even in the absence of any core-funding. TravAct, an Group (WTG) can be traced to the work of complemented by grants and from honoured member of the Irish Traveller Movement and the Irish National Traveller partnership, has Sister Caitriona Geraghy O.P. with an ad hoc Department of Social Community and now in 2016 been assured of adequate core funding by the Department of Justice to carry on . group of Travellers in 1992 to respond to Family Affairs, Wicklow Working Together, its pioneering work in North Dublin the accommodation needs of Travellers Area Development Management and a on the roadside in Co. Wicklow. Initially, this donation from People in Need. The work on group’s core activities related to supporting the CEART building was completed in 2000. a group of 17 Traveller families in securing TRAVACT MISSION accommodation through the courts. Initially, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) To provide quality support and developmental services, advocacy services and information Parallel with this work, a group of provided a small grant towards community support to the marginalised Traveller Community in North Dublin, and act as a bridge between the approximately 20 or so Traveller women development activities. This funding Traveller Community and the Settled Community with the aim of developing TravAct as a Model began to meet regularly in Wicklow Town. provided the opportunity for WTG to Traveller Support Organisation on the Island. This group of women identified a need for engage in a needs assessment and planning training and development opportunities process and a community development plan • Training & Employment (CE) Project for Traveller women in the area. In 1993, a was submitted to the DSCFA in 2001. This • part-time training programme for Traveller application was successful and core funding Drugs and Alcohol Project women was developed as an element of for a community development project under • Education Outreach WTG’s basic commitment to community the Government’s Community Development development with Travellers in the Wicklow. Programme was granted to WTG in 2001. • Accommodation & Housing Project • The training was successful and resulted in The community development plan, which Primary Health Care Project the need to expand the range of training and now guides the work and activities of the • TravAct Youth Project activities throughout the 1990’s and beyond. organisation, outlines a number of It was necessary therefore to form a legal community development goals and entity to ensure the sustainability of the objectives that are prioritised and provide a : project. Wicklow Travellers’ Group Limited clear focus for the organisation. These are was incorporated in May 1996. This structure • enabled the group to seek funding to pursue • Accommodation longer term dreams and goals of the Health organization through seeking a permanent • Employment Traveller dedicated centre which would focus • Education on community development, training and • second chance education opportunities. Youth and children • C.E.A.R.T (Centre of Education and . Resourcing Travellers)

46 47 NORTHSIDNORTHSIDE TRAVELLERE TRAVELLER SUPPORT SUPPORT GROUP GROUP

The NorthsideThe N orthsideTraveller TSupportraveller SupportGroup was Group incorporated was incorporated under th eunder Companies the Companies Act in February Act in February 1998 now19 9working8 now workingunder th undere Trading the NameTrading of Name TravAct of (TCompanyravAct (Company No.245190). No.245190). TravAct wTravActhich which started asstarted a small as garoup small of g communityroup of community minded mindedindividuals, individuals, from both from the both Traveller the Taravellernd the and the Settled Communities,Settled Communities, has grown ha sover grown the over years the to yearsencompass to encompass six different six differentprojects projectsfunded funded t t of Justice of Justice by the HSE,by the CDYSB, HSE, CDYSB,he Department he Department , the DSP, theand DSP the Darndale-Belcampand the Darndale-Belcamp Initiative Initiative through thethrough JI Scheme. the JI Scheme. Considering Considering the very thehigh very quality high of quality services of services being delivered being delivered by TravAct by TravAct Wicklow WicklowTravellers Travellers Group Ltd. Group is a Ltd.voluntary is a voluntary The CentreThe ofCentre Education of Education and Resourcing and Resourcing over the oyears,ver the the years, CDYSB the inCDYSB conjunct in conjunction with theion withPavee the Point Pavee de cidedPoint deto cidedtransition to transition their Youth their Youth the theof of communitycommunity development development organization organization that thatTravellers T ravellers(CEART) (CEART)became btheecame realization the realization Project toProject TravAct to inTravAct end in 2015end for2015 carrying for carryingout more out focussed more focussed Youth Work Youth amongst Work amongst the the is comprisedis comprised of Travellers of Travellers and members and members of theof goal. the Sister goal. Caitriona Sister Caitriona and the and the critical Northcritical Dublin North Community Dublin Community of young of Travellers. young Travellers. of the majorityof the majority population. population. The group The is group isDominican Dominican Sisters Sistersplayed aplayed vital rolea vital in role in committedcommitted to achieving to achieving human rights human for rights Irish for Irishbringing bringingthis about.this about.The substantialThe substantial It is a tributeIt is at ot ributethe commitment to the commitment of the V oluntaryof the V oluntaryBoard o fBoard Management of Management that it h athats kept it h theas kept the Travellers.Travellers. The origins The of origins Wicklow of WicklowTravellers’ Travellers’ investment investment by theby Sistersthe Sisterswas was OrganisationOrganisation functioning functioning smoothly smoo eventhly in etheven absencein the absence of any cofore-funding. any core-funding. TravAct, TaravAct,n an Group (WTG)Group can (WTG) be traced can be to traced the work to the of work ofcomplemented complemented by grants by grantsand fromand from honouredhonoured member member of the Irish of Ttheraveller Irish TMovementraveller Movement and the Irish and Nationalthe Irish NationalTraveller Tpartnership,raveller partnership, has has Sister CaitrionaSister Caitriona Geraghy GeraghyO.P. with O.P.an ad with hoc an ad hocDepartment Department of Social of CommunitySocial Community and and now in 2016now beenin 2016 assured been assuredof adequate of adequate core funding core byfunding the Department by the Department of Justice of toJustice carry onto carry on . . group ofgroup Travellers of Travellers in 1992 in to 1992 respond to respond to toFamily AFamilyffairs, WicklowAffairs, WicklowWorking WorkingTogethe rT, ogether, its pioneeringits pioneering work in North work Dublinin North Dublin the accommodationthe accommodation needs of needs Travellers of Travellers Area DevelopmentArea Development Management Management and a and a on the roadsideon the roadside in Co. Wicklow. in Co. Wicklow. Initially, this Initially, thisdonation donation from People from inPeople Need. inThe Need. work The on work on group’s coregroup’s activities core activities related to related supporting to supporting the CEARTthe building CEART wasbuilding completed was completed in 2000. in 2000. a group a of group 17 Traveller of 17 Traveller families infamilies securing in securing TRAVACTTRA MIVACTSSION MISSION accommodationaccommodation through thethrough courts. the courts. Initially, Initiallthe yDepartment, the Department of Employment of Employment Affairs Affairsand Socialand ProtectionSocial Protection (DEASP) (DEASP) To provideTo qualityprovide squalityupport s andupport developmental and developmental services, services, advocacy adv servicesocacy saervicesnd information and information Parallel Parallelwith thiswith work,this awork, group a ofgroup of providedp arovided small granta small towards grant towardscommunity community support tosupport the marginalised to the marginalised Traveller TCommunityraveller Community in North Dublin,in North and Dublin, act as and a bridge act as betweena bridge between the the approximatelyapproximately 20 or so 20 Traveller or so Traveller women women developmentdevelopment activities. activities. This fundingThis funding Traveller TCommunityraveller Community and the Settledand the Community Settled Community with the aimwith ofthe developing aim of developing TravAct asTravAct a Model as a Model began tobegan meet to regularly meet regularly in Wicklow in Wicklow Town. Town. providedp rovidedthe opportunity the opportunity for WTG for toWTG to Traveller TSupportraveller SupportOrganisation Organisation on the Island. on the Island. This groupThis of group women of identifiedwomen identified a need a for needengage for inengage a needs in aassessment needs assessment and planning and planning training trainingand development and development opportunities opportunities process processand a community and a community development development plan plan • Training• &Training Employment & Employment (CE) Project (CE) Project for Travellerfor Traveller women in women the area. in the In 1993, area. In a 1993, was a submittedwas submitted to the DSC to theFA inDSC 2001.FA inThis 2001. This • • part-timepart-time training trainingprogramme programme for Traveller for Travellerapplication application was successful was successful and core and fund coreing funding Drugs andDrugs Alcohol and Project Alcohol Project women womenwas developed was developed as an element as an elementof of for a communityfor a community development development project under project under • Education• Education Outreach Outreach WTG’s basicWTG’s commitment basic commitment to community to community the Government’sthe Government’s Community Community Development Development developmentdevelopment with Travellers with Travellers in the Wicklow. in the Wicklow.ProgrammeProgramme was granted was togranted WTG into 2001. WTG in 2001. • Accommodation• Accommodation & Housing & HousingProject Project • • The trainingThe wastraining successful was successful and resulted and resultedin inThe communityThe community development development plan, which plan, which Primary HealthPrimary Care Health Project Care Project the needthe to expandneed to the expand range the of rangetraining of and training and now guidesnow theguides work the and work activities and activities of the of the • TravAct• YouthTravAct Project Youth Project activitiesactivities throughout throughout the 1990’s the and 1990’s beyond. and beyond.organisation, organisation, outlines outlinesa number a numberof of It was necessaryIt was necessary therefore therefore to form toa legalform a legalcommunity community development development goals goalsand and entity toentity ensure to theensure sustainability the sustainability of the of theobjectives objectives that are thatprioritised are prioritised and provide and aprovide a : : project. project. Wicklow Wicklow Travellers’ Travellers’ Group Limited Group Limitedclear focusclear for focus the organisation. for the organisation. These are These are was incorporatedwas incorporated in May 1996. in May This 1996. structure This structure • • enabled enabledthe group the to groupseek funding to seek to funding pursue to pursue • Accommodation• Accommodation longer termlonger dreams term dreamsand goals and ofgoals the of the Health Health organizationorganization through through seeking seeking a permanent a permanent • Employment• Employment Traveller Travellerdedicated dedicated centre which centre would which focus would focus • Education• Education on communityon community development, development, training trainingand and • • second chancesecond education chance education opportunities. opportunities. Youth andYouth children and children • C.E.A.R•.TC.E.A.R (Centre.T of (Centre Education of Education and and . . ResourcingRes Tourcingravellers) Travellers)

46 46 47 47 DONEGALDONEGAL TRAVELLERTRAVELLER PROJECTPROJECT TTravellerraveller communitcommunityy, , providingproviding thethe basisbasis forfor newnew relationshipsrelationships ofof respect,respect, inclusioninclusion andand solidaritysolidarity betbetweenween thethe TTravellerraveller communitcommunityy, , thethe settledsettled communitcommunityy, , andand otherother ethnicethnic minorityminority communities.communities. DonegalDonegal Travellers’ Travellers’ Project, Project, founded founded in in 1996, 1996, has has beenbeen anan importantimportant partpart ofof thethe widerwider strugglestruggle forfor AAtt thethe corecore ooff DTPDTP areare thethe fivfivee pprinciplesrinciples ofof ccommunityommunity development:development: collectivity;collectivity; communitycommunity Travellers’Travellers’ rights, rights, both both through through its its work work locally locally and and eempowerment;mpowerment; socialsocial jjusticeustice aandnd sustainablesustainable ddevelopment;evelopment; humanhuman rights,rights, equalityequality andand inin solidaritysolidarity withwith othersothers atat regionalregional andand nationalnational antidiscrimination;antidiscrimination; andand ppaarticipation.rticipation. TThhoseose principlesprinciples underscoreunderscore everyevery initiativeinitiative thethe projectproject levels.levels. DTP DTP is is one one of of the the longest longest established established and and undertakes.undertakes. InIn recentrecent years,years, DTPDTP hashas broadenedbroadened itsits reachreach toto workwork withwith thethe RomaRoma communitycommunity andand locallylocally based based community community development development organization organization working working for for and and with with the the Irish Irish Traveller Traveller ttoo workwork inin collaborationcollaboration withwith thethe DDonegalonegal InterculturalIntercultural PlatformPlatform anandd thethe communitiescommunities thethe platformplatform community.community. TheThe locallocal TravellerTraveller populationpopulation fluctuatesfluctuates betweenbetween 250250 andand 350350 families.families. ssupports.upports.

TheThe establishment establishment of of DTP DTP represented represented a a marked marked and and welcome welcome change change in in the the approach approach to to ThroughThrough active active engagement engagement with with the the T Travellerraveller and and Roma Roma communities, communities, DTP DTP works works with with individuals individuals Travellers’Travellers’ concerns concerns by by involving involving members members of of the the Traveller Traveller community community in in discussions discussions and and aanndd familiesfamilies onon dday-to-dayay-to-day issues,issues, aass wellwell aass providingproviding ccourses,ourses, training,training, hhealthealth programmesprogrammes decisionsdecisions relatedrelated toto thethe issuesissues theythey faced.faced. PriorPrior toto that,that, committeescommittees workingworking inin LetterkennyLetterkenny onon aanndd otherother initiativesinitiatives forfor men,men, womenwomen, , children,children, andand families.families. TheThe workwork ofof DTPDTP notnot onlyonly addressesaddresses TravellerTraveller issuesissues fromfrom thethe earlyearly 1980s1980s hadhad notnot viewedviewed meaningfulmeaningful participationparticipation ofof TravellersTravellers asas anan ppressingressing needsneeds andand advocatesadvocates forfor marginalisedmarginalised communities,communities, butbut alsoalso buildsbuilds capcapacityacity forfor thethe essentialessential partpart ofof theirtheir work,work, whichwhich waswas conductedconducted usingusing moremore ofof aa charitablecharitable model.model. AllAll thatthat wouldwould membersmembers ofof theirtheir communitiescommunities toto bbecomeecome advocatesadvocates forfor theirtheir communcommunitiesities inin theirtheir ownown right.right. changechange withwith thethe comingcoming ofof DonegalDonegal Travellers’Travellers’ Project,Project, aa collaborationcollaboration betweenbetween membersmembers ofof thethe TravellerTraveller community,community, membersmembers ofof thethe settledsettled community,community, andand thethe locallocal socialsocial inclusioninclusion managermanager TThhee DTPDTP PrimaryPrimary HealthHealth CareCare ProjectProject isis anan exampleexample ofof thethe successsuccess ofof DTDTPP. . AA corecore initiativeinitiative ofof thethe ofof thethe HSE,HSE, withwith supportsupport fromfrom thethe IFIIFI CommunitiesCommunities inin ActionAction Programme.Programme. DonegalDonegal TTravellerravellers’s’ PProjectroject, , thethe PrimarPrimaryy HealthHealthCarCaree PPrrojectoject isis nonowwstaffstaffeded bbyy membermemberss ooff thethe TTravraveelllerler ccommunitommunityy, , whowho asas communitcommunityy healthhealth wworkerorkerss aarree outout amongamong thethe communitcommunityy onon aa ddaailyily TheThe ultimateultimate aimaim ofof DonegalDonegal Travellers’Travellers’ ProjectProject isis toto achieveachieve equalityequality andand recognitionrecognition forfor TravellersTravellers bbaassis.is. asas a a uniquely uniquely marginalised marginalised minority minority ethnic ethnic group. group. The The Irish Irish State’s State’s recognition recognition in in 2017 2017 of of TravellersTravellers asas aa distinctdistinct ethnicethnic groupgroup withinwithin thethe IrishIrish nationnation isis centralcentral toto equalityequality ofof statusstatus forfor thethe DTPDTP works works throughout throughout the the count countyy, ,with with T Travellerraveller families families who who are are nomadic nomadic on on a a cross-border cross-border basis basis aanndd alsoalso thosethose livingliving inin ruralrural areaareass closeclose thethe countycounty bordeborderr. . TheThe workwork isis wide-rangingwide-ranging andand includesincludes communitycommunity development,development, heheaalth,lth, earlyearly yearsyears andand adadultult education,education, youthyouth wwork,ork, informationinformation andand advocacadvocacyy, , accommodation,accommodation, andand aannti-racismti-racism wworkork andand iinterculturalntercultural training.training.

DonegalDonegal TTravellers’ravellers’ ProjectProject alsoalso maintainsmaintains aa veveryry strongstrong policypolicy aanndd representationalrepresentational role,role, ensuringensuring thatthat issuesissues relevantrelevant toto membersmembers ofof thethe TTravellerraveller andand RRomaoma communitiescommunities inin ruralrural aanndd borderborder aareasreas aarere includedincluded inin wwideiderr, , regionalregional andand nnaationaltional ddiscussions.iscussions. ThroughThrough itsits advocacyadvocacy wwork,ork, activeactive

eenngagement,gagement, andand sseervices,rvices, DonegalDonegal TTravellersravellers PProjectroject ccontinuesontinues toto movemove forwardforward in in the the struggle struggle for for human human rights rights a andnd equality equality for forTTravelleravellerr,, Roma Roma and and marginalisedmarginalised communities.communities. TheThe thethemesmes ofof workwork include:include: ••HHiistorystory ••CultureCulture ••HealthHealth ••CommunityCommunity DevelopmentDevelopment ••EEducationducation

••YYouthouth ••RomaRoma .. ••AccommodationAccommodation

4848 4949 DONEGALDONEGAL TRAVELLERTRAVELLER PROJECTPROJECT TTravellerraveller communitcommunityy, , providingproviding thethe basisbasis forfor newnew relationshipsrelationships ofof respect,respect, inclusioninclusion andand solidaritysolidarity betbetweenween thethe TTravellerraveller communitcommunityy, , thethe settledsettled communitcommunityy, , andand otherother ethnicethnic minorityminority communities.communities. DonegalDonegal Travellers’ Travellers’ Project, Project, founded founded in in 1996, 1996, has has beenbeen anan importantimportant partpart ofof thethe widerwider strugglestruggle forfor AAtt thethe corecore ooff DTPDTP areare thethe fivfivee pprinciplesrinciples ofof ccommunityommunity development:development: collectivity;collectivity; communitycommunity Travellers’Travellers’ rights, rights, both both through through its its work work locally locally and and eempowerment;mpowerment; socialsocial jjusticeustice aandnd sustainablesustainable ddevelopment;evelopment; humanhuman rights,rights, equalityequality andand inin solidaritysolidarity withwith othersothers atat regionalregional andand nationalnational antidiscrimination;antidiscrimination; andand ppaarticipation.rticipation. TThhoseose principlesprinciples underscoreunderscore everyevery initiativeinitiative thethe projectproject levels.levels. DTP DTP is is one one of of the the longest longest established established and and undertakes.undertakes. InIn recentrecent years,years, DTPDTP hashas broadenedbroadened itsits reachreach toto workwork withwith thethe RomaRoma communitycommunity andand locallylocally based based community community development development organization organization working working for for and and with with the the Irish Irish Traveller Traveller ttoo workwork inin collaborationcollaboration withwith thethe DDonegalonegal InterculturalIntercultural PlatformPlatform anandd thethe communitiescommunities thethe platformplatform community.community. TheThe locallocal TravellerTraveller populationpopulation fluctuatesfluctuates betweenbetween 250250 andand 350350 families.families. ssupports.upports.

TheThe establishment establishment of of DTP DTP represented represented a a marked marked and and welcome welcome change change in in the the approach approach to to ThroughThrough active active engagement engagement with with the the T Travellerraveller and and Roma Roma communities, communities, DTP DTP works works with with individuals individuals Travellers’Travellers’ concerns concerns by by involving involving members members of of the the Traveller Traveller community community in in discussions discussions and and aanndd familiesfamilies onon dday-to-dayay-to-day issues,issues, aass wellwell aass providingproviding ccourses,ourses, training,training, hhealthealth programmesprogrammes decisionsdecisions relatedrelated toto thethe issuesissues theythey faced.faced. PriorPrior toto that,that, committeescommittees workingworking inin LetterkennyLetterkenny onon aanndd otherother initiativesinitiatives forfor men,men, womenwomen, , children,children, andand families.families. TheThe workwork ofof DTPDTP notnot onlyonly addressesaddresses TravellerTraveller issuesissues fromfrom thethe earlyearly 1980s1980s hadhad notnot viewedviewed meaningfulmeaningful participationparticipation ofof TravellersTravellers asas anan ppressingressing needsneeds andand advocatesadvocates forfor marginalisedmarginalised communities,communities, butbut alsoalso buildsbuilds capcapacityacity forfor thethe essentialessential partpart ofof theirtheir work,work, whichwhich waswas conductedconducted usingusing moremore ofof aa charitablecharitable model.model. AllAll thatthat wouldwould membersmembers ofof theirtheir communitiescommunities toto bbecomeecome advocatesadvocates forfor theirtheir communcommunitiesities inin theirtheir ownown right.right. changechange withwith thethe comingcoming ofof DonegalDonegal Travellers’Travellers’ Project,Project, aa collaborationcollaboration betweenbetween membersmembers ofof thethe TravellerTraveller community,community, membersmembers ofof thethe settledsettled community,community, andand thethe locallocal socialsocial inclusioninclusion managermanager TThhee DTPDTP PrimaryPrimary HealthHealth CareCare ProjectProject isis anan exampleexample ofof thethe successsuccess ofof DTDTPP. . AA corecore initiativeinitiative ofof thethe ofof thethe HSE,HSE, withwith supportsupport fromfrom thethe IFIIFI CommunitiesCommunities inin ActionAction Programme.Programme. DonegalDonegal TTravellerravellers’s’ PProjectroject, , thethe PrimarPrimaryy HealthHealth CarCaree PPrrojectoject isis nonowwstaffstaffeded bbyy membermemberss ooff thethe TTravraveelllerler ccommunitommunityy, , whowho asas communitcommunityy healthhealth wworkerorkerss aarree outout amongamong thethe communitcommunityy onon aa ddaailyily TheThe ultimateultimate aimaim ofof DonegalDonegal Travellers’Travellers’ ProjectProject isis toto achieveachieve equalityequality andand recognitionrecognition forfor TravellersTravellers bbaassis.is. asas a a uniquely uniquely marginalised marginalised minority minority ethnic ethnic group. group. The The Irish Irish State’s State’s recognition recognition in in 2017 2017 of of TravellersTravellers asas aa distinctdistinct ethnicethnic groupgroup withinwithin thethe IrishIrish nationnation isis centralcentral toto equalityequality ofof statusstatus forfor thethe DTPDTP works works throughout throughout the the count countyy,, with with T Travellerraveller families families who who are are nomadic nomadic on on a a cross-border cross-border basis basis aanndd alsoalso thosethose livingliving inin ruralrural areaareass closeclose thethe countycounty bordeborderr.. TheThe workwork isis wide-rangingwide-ranging andand includesincludes communitycommunity development,development, heheaalth,lth, earlyearly yearsyears andand adadultult education,education, youthyouth wwork,ork, informationinformation andand advocacadvocacyy,, accommodation,accommodation, andand aannti-racismti-racism wworkork andand iinterculturalntercultural training.training.

DonegalDonegal TTravellers’ravellers’ ProjectProject alsoalso maintainsmaintains aa veveryry strongstrong policypolicy aanndd representationalrepresentational role,role, ensuringensuring thatthat issuesissues relevantrelevant toto membersmembers ofof thethe TTravellerraveller andand RRomaoma communitiescommunities inin ruralrural aanndd borderborder aareasreas aarere includedincluded inin wwideiderr,, regionalregional andand nnaationaltional ddiscussions.iscussions. ThroughThrough itsits advocacyadvocacy wwork,ork, activeactive

••YYouthouth ••RomaRoma .. ••AccommodationAccommodation

4848 4949 GALWAY TRAVELLER MOVEMENT Migration to Ireland for Roma people has been a mixed experience with both positive The Galway Traveller Movement was set up as an and negative features. In particular, access independent Traveller organisation in 1994. It was to healthcare has emerged as a established by Travellers and non-Travellers in problematic issue for some members Galway with the ultimate aim to achieve equality and self-determination for the Traveller of the Roma community, and one which community in Galway city and county. Applying community work and human rights-based particularly affects Roma whose residency approaches GTM as part of its strategic plan 2014-2016 plans to dedicate its resources to status in Ireland is unresolved or whose entitlement to social protection is awaiting decision or enabling the Traveller Community to be part of a movement that challenges structural inequality. has been rejected. As detailed in Section 2, barriers to healthcare for Roma are multifactorial and overcoming these barriers requires addressing a number of relevant issues, including language Within the strategic plan the organisation is described as: and information barriers, economic barriers, barriers related to legal status and residency and finally, barriers related to knowledge and information among healthcare services staff regarding A social movement for greater equality needs a sustained sense of direction and a view Roma culture, traditions and history. of how we can achieve the necessary economic and social changes. The key is to map out ways in which the new society can begin to grow within and alongside the institutions it Since 2009, the Tallaght Roma Integration Project (TRIP), formerly the Roma Families Working may gradually marginalise and replace. That is what making change is really about. Rather Group, has been working to address the needs of the Roma community in the greater Tallaght than simply waiting for government to do it for us, we have to start making it in our lives area. TRIP was formed in response to a number of issues which were highlighted during a and in the institutions of our society straight away community consultation process with the Roma population living in the locality of Tallaght, a large suburb positioned on the outskirts of Dublin, the capital city of Ireland. Problems with access to STRATEGIC AREAS healthcare emerged from that consultation process as a major concern for the Roma community. Arising from that process of consultation, a key focus of TRIP, since its foundation, has been to • Justice & Rights work to improve healthcare access for the Roma community. The aim of this report is to record the establishment of TRIP and its subsequent focus on improving access to healthcare for the Roma • Health community in Tallaght. • Accommodation The work of the Tallaght Roma Integration Project (TRIP) in trying to address these factors can be • Education referenced as a model of engagement between the Roma community and the wider society, particularly the public systems of health and welfare services. Since its establishment, TRIP has • Enterprise and Work worked from a participatory, community development perspective, which focuses not only on the problems of access to healthcare but on the processes used to tackle the identified problems. In that light, the history of TRIP, as outlined in this section, offers an opportunity to consider the benefits of inclusive approaches to tackling large-scale issues at the local or micro level. TRIP has also promoted and facilitated inter-agency cooperation, communication and collaboration in recognition of the potential that inter-agency efforts can offer to tackle the barriers to healthcare experienced by the Roma community living in the greater Tallaght area.

This project was developed through an interagency model involving the following partners through the principles of community development:

• HSE Primary Healthcare Social Worker • Roma Community Development Worker (Pavee Point) • South Dublin County Council Community Development Worker • South Dublin County Partnership Integration Worker • Community Health Worker Fettercairn Community Health Project

• TUSLA Community Development Worker

50 51 GALWAYGALWAY TRAVELLER TRAVELLER MOVEMENT MOVEMENT MigrationMigration to Ireland to Ireland for Roma for peopleRoma people has has been a beenmixed a experiencemixed experience with both with positive both positive The GalwayThe Galway Traveller Traveller Movement Movement was set was up set as upan as an and negativeand negative features. features. In particular, In particular, access access independentindependent Traveller Traveller organisation organisation in 1994. in 1994.It was It was to healthcareto healthcare has emergedhas emerged as a as a establishedestablished by Travellers by Travellers and non-Travellers and non-Travellers in in problematicproblematic issue issuefor some for somemembers members GalwayGalway with the with ultimate the ultimate aim to aim achieve to achieve equality equality and self-determination and self-determination for the for Traveller the Traveller of the of Roma the Romacommunity, community, and one and which one which communitycommunity in Galway in Galway city and city county. and county. Applying Applying community community work and work human and human rights-based rights-based particularlyparticularly affects affects Roma whoseRoma residencywhose residency approachesapproaches GTM as GTM part as of part its strategic of its strategic plan 2014-2016 plan 2014-2016 plans to plans dedicate to dedicate its resources its resources to to status statusin Ireland in Irelandis unresolved is unresolved or whose or whoseentitlement entitlement to social to protectionsocial protection is awaiting is awaiting decision decision or or enablingenabling the Traveller the Traveller Community Community to be part to be of parta movement of a movement that challenges that challenges structural structural inequality. inequality. has beenhas rejected. been rejected. As detailed As detailed in Section in Section 2, barriers 2, barriers to healthcare to healthcare for Roma for areRoma multifactorial are multifactorial and and overcomingovercoming these barriersthese barriers requires requires addressing addressing a number a number of relevant of relevant issues, issues, including including language language Within theWithin strategic the strategic plan the plan organisation the organisation is described is described as: as: and informationand information barriers, barriers, economic economic barriers, barriers, barriers barriers related related to legal to status legal statusand residency and residency and and finally, finally,barriers barriers related related to knowledge to knowledge and information and information among amonghealthcare healthcare services services staff regardingstaff regarding A socialA socialmovement movement for greater for greater equality equality needs needsa sustained a sustained sense senseof direction of direction and a viewand a view Roma culture,Roma culture, traditions traditions and history. and history. of howof we how can we achieve can achieve the necessary the necessary economic economic and social and socialchanges. changes. The key The is tokey map is to out map out ways inways which in whichthe new the society new society can begin can tobegin grow to withingrow withinand alongside and alongside the institutions the institutions it it Since 2009,Since the2009, Tallaght the Tallaght Roma IntegrationRoma Integration Project Project (TRIP), (TRIP),formerly formerly the Roma the FamiliesRoma Families Working Working may graduallymay gradually marginalise marginalise and replace. and replace. That is That what is making what making change change is really is about.really about. Rather Rather Group, Group,has been has working been working to address to address the needs the needsof the Romaof the communityRoma community in the greaterin the greater Tallaght Tallaght than simplythan simply waiting waiting for government for government to do itto for do us, it for we us, have we to have start to making start making it in our it inlives our lives area. TRIParea. was TRIP formed was formed in response in response to a number to a number of issues of issues which whichwere highlighted were highlighted during during a a and in andthe institutionsin the institutions of our ofsociety our society straight straight away away communitycommunity consultation consultation process process with the with Roma the populationRoma population living in living the locality in the locality of Tallaght, of Tallaght, a large a large suburbsuburb positioned positioned on the onoutskirts the outskirts of Dublin, of Dublin,the capital the capitalcity of cityIreland. of Ireland. Problems Problems with access with access to to STRATEGICSTRATEGIC AREAS AREAS healthcarehealthcare emerged emerged from that from consultation that consultation process process as a major as a concern major concern for the forRoma the community. Roma community. ArisingArising from that from process that process of consultation, of consultation, a key focus a key offocus TRIP, of since TRIP, its since foundation, its foundation, has been has to been to • Justice• Justice & Rights & Rights work towork improve to improve healthcare healthcare access access for the Romafor the community. Roma community. The aim The of this aim report of this isreport to record is to recordthe the establishmentestablishment of TRIP of and TRIP its andsubsequent its subsequent focus on focus improving on improving access access to healthcare to healthcare for the forRoma the Roma • Health• Health communitycommunity in Tallaght. in Tallaght. • Accommodation• Accommodation The workThe of work the Tallaght of the Tallaght Roma IntegrationRoma Integration Project Project (TRIP) in (TRIP) trying in to trying address to address these factors these factors can be can be • Education• Education referencedreferenced as a model as a model of engagement of engagement between between the Roma the communityRoma community and the and wider the society, wider society, particularlyparticularly the public the systemspublic systems of health of healthand welfare and welfare services. services. Since itsSince establishment, its establishment, TRIP has TRIP has • Enterprise• Enterprise and Work and Work workedworked from a participatory,from a participatory, community community development development perspective, perspective, which focuses which focuses not only not on only the on the problemsproblems of access of access to healthcare to healthcare but on butthe onprocesses the processes used to used tackle to thetackle identified the identified problems. problems. In that Inlight, that the light, history the history of TRIP, of as TRIP, outlined as outlined in this section,in this section, offers offersan opportunity an opportunity to consider to consider the the benefitsbenefits of inclusive of inclusive approaches approaches to tackling to tackling large-scale large-scale issues issuesat the localat the or local micro or level.micro TRIPlevel. TRIP has alsohas promoted also promoted and facilitated and facilitated inter-agency inter-agency cooperation, cooperation, communication communication and collaboration and collaboration in in recognitionrecognition of the potentialof the potential that inter-agency that inter-agency efforts efforts can offer can tooffer tackle to thetackle barriers the barriersto healthcare to healthcare experiencedexperienced by the Romaby the communityRoma community living in living the greater in the greater Tallaght Tallaght area. area.

This projectThis project was developed was developed through through an interagency an interagency model involvingmodel involving the following the following partners partners through through the principlesthe principles of community of community development: development: • HSE •PrimaryHSE Primary Healthcare Healthcare Social WorkerSocial Worker • Roma• CommunityRoma Community Development Development Worker Worker (Pavee (PaveePoint) Point) • South• DublinSouth DublinCounty County Council Council Community Community Development Development Worker Worker • South• DublinSouth DublinCounty County Partnership Partnership Integration Integration Worker Worker • Community• Community Health HealthWorker Worker Fettercairn Fettercairn Community Community Health HealthProject Project

• TUSLA• TUSLA Community Community Development Development Worker Worker

50 50 51 51 SECTION 8 - IMPLEMENTATION SECTION 9 – ACTION PLAN This strategy offers an ambitious series of actions across agreed strategic priorities that, collectively, will leadSECTION to delivery of positive outcomes 8 - forIMPLEMENTATION the Traveller and Roma community. Whilst SECTION 9 – the implementation of the strategy will be driven by the Interagency steering group, it is wholly The following pages set out the key objectives and actions to be achieved over the next 3 years. dependent on: The section also ACTIONidentifies who is responsible PLAN for each action and the proposed timeframe for  The cooperationThis strategy and collaboration offers an of allambitious agencies series that interact of actions with, engage across with agreed and strategic priorities that, delivery as well as key performance indicators. provide servicescollectively, for Traveller will lead and to delivery Roma people of positive outcomes for the Traveller and Roma community. Whilst The action plan is structured against the thematic priorities set out in page 43 of this document, the implementation of the strategy will be driven by the Interagency steering group, it is wholly The following pages set out the key objectives and actions to be achieved over the next 3 years.  Access to additional resources namely: dependent on: The section also identifies who is responsible for each action and the proposed timeframe for delivery as well as key performance indicators. During the action planning The sessions, cooperation stakeholders and collaboration suggested that of all dedicated agencies staff that interactmembers with,could engage with and OVERALL - EQUALITY AND ANTI-DISCRIMINATION be employed across eachprovide of the s ervicesthematic for priorities Traveller for and both Roma Traveller people and Roma people. This is TRAVELLER - HOUSING & ACCOMMODATION, EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION, HEALTH The action plan is structured against the thematic priorities set out in page 43 of this document, unrealistic. Thus, to ensure that the strategy delivers practical and real change for the people it  Access to additional resources ROMA - HOUSINGnamely: & ACCOMMODATION, EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION represents, the following key implementation arrangements are proposed: OVERALL - EQUALITY AND ANTI-DISCRIMINATION CKLP will Duringconvene the target actioned planning small w orkingsessions, groups stakeholders to review suggested the revised that action dedicated plan, this staff members could For ease of reference, where themes overlap for both Roma and Traveller communities (i.e. will involvebe identifying employed aacross lead eachagency of thefor thematiceach a ctionpriorities along for bothwith Travellersuggested and Roma people. This is TRAVELLER - HOUSING & ACCOMMODATION, EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION, HEALTH Housing & Accommodation, Employment, Education), the actions have been grouped together. support orunrealistic.ganisations. Thus, This to pr ensureocess that will thealso strategy involve deliversmaking anpractical initial aandppr oachreal change to for the people it ROMA - HOUSING & ACCOMMODATION, EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION the namedrepresents, agency to theensure following that that key willimplementation accept responsibility arrangements for lead areing proposed: on that particular action. CKLP will convene targeted small working groups to review the revised action plan, this For ease of reference, where themes overlap for both Roma and Traveller communities (i.e. The Interagency Steering Group oversee the implementation of the Strategy. will involve identifying a lead agency for each action along with suggested Housing & Accommodation, Employment, Education), the actions have been grouped together. CKLP will appoints upporta Coordinatorganisations.or to overs ee This the pr implementationocess will also oinvolvf the Kildare makeing Trav aneller initial approach to

and Roma Inclusionthe Strategy named agency to ensure that that will accept responsibility for leading on that particular action. CKLP will work to secure resources to enable overall community development staff to be The Interagency Steering Group oversee the implementation of the Strategy. employ ed for both Traveller & Roma communities. These roles are seen as pivotal in driving the remainder CKLP of thewill appointstrategy a. Coordinator to oversee the implementation of the Kildare Traveller I S . T The nclusion tratandegyRoma should Inclusion be subject Strategy to annual review his should involve

consultation with CKLPTraveller will andwork Rtooma secur peoplee resour toces revie to wenable progr overessall against communit they development staff to

stated outcomes/indicatorbe employs.ed T fhoris bo wthill Toffravereller a r&egular Roma opportunit communities.y to Thes update reoles the ar plane seen as pivotal in based upon new/emerdrivingging the remainderpriorities. It of is the ackno strategwledgedy. that this is not a fixed and rigid strategy, moreover it represI entsS the first stage in achieving meaningful change. T and The nclusion trategy should be subject to annual review his should involve moving towards the inclusion of Traveller and Roma people. consultation with Traveller and Roma people to review progress against the The new Roma Employment Programme through CKLP will be integrated into S stated outcomes/indicators. This will offer a regular opportunity to update the plan this trategy whenbas theed worker upon isnew/emer appointed.ging priorities. It is acknowledged that this is not a fixed and rigid

This strategy hasstrateg identifiedy, moreover a majorit grepresap in entsrelation the tfiro stbasic stage communit in achieyving meaningful change and

infrastructure, parmoticularlyving towarfor theds R omathe inclusion communit of yT. ravellerAction willand be Ro requirma people.ed in the short which term to address this, The new Rmayoma involve: Employment Programme through CKLP will be integrated into S • Establishingthis a Rtrategyoma suppor whent theorganisation worker is appoiin Countnted.y Kildare. In the initial stages

of implementationThis strat theegy In teragenc has identifiedy group a majorwill suppor gap tinthe relation development to basic o communitf a y

Kildare Romainfrastructure, Forum as paran ticularlyessential for mechanism the Roma communitfor engagementy. Action with will Rbeoma requir in ed in the short which County Kildare.term to address this, may involve: • Broadening the• SEcopestablishing of Kildar a eR omaTraveller suppor Actiont or ganisation(KTA) to become in Count Kildary Kildaree . In the initial stages

Traveller and Romaof Actionimplementation (KTRA) the Interagency group will support the development of a Kildare Roma Forum as an essential mechanism for engagement with Roma in County Kildare. • Broadening the Scope of Kildare Traveller Action (KTA) to become Kildare

Traveller and Roma Action (KTRA) 52 53

52 53 SECTIONSECTION 8 8 - -IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION SECTIONSECTION 9 9 – – ACTIONACTION PLAN PLAN ThisThis strategy strategy offers offers an an ambitious ambitious series series of ofactions actions across across agreed agreed strategic strategic priorities priorities that, that, collectively,collectively, will willlead lead to delivery to delivery of positive of positive outcomes outcomes for thefor theTraveller Traveller and and Roma Roma community. community. Whilst Whilst the theimplementation implementation of theof thestrategy strategy will willbe bedriven driven by theby theInteragency Interagency steering steering group, group, it is it wholly is wholly TheThe following following pages pages set setout out the thekey key objectives objectives and and actions actions to be to achievedbe achieved over over the thenext next 3 years. 3 years. dependentdependent on: on: TheThe section section also also identifies identifies who whois responsible is responsible for foreach each action action and andthe theproposed proposed timeframe timeframe for for  The The cooperation cooperation and and collaboration collaboration of all of agencies all agencies that that interact interact with, with, engage engage with with and and deliverydelivery as well as well as key as key performance performance indicators. indicators. provideprovide services services for Travellerfor Traveller and and Roma Roma people people TheThe action action plan plan is structured is structured against against the thethematic thematic priorities priorities set setout out in page in page 43 of43 this of this document, document,  Access Access to additional to additional resources resources namely:namely:

DuringDuring the theaction action planning planning sessions, sessions, stakeholders stakeholders suggested suggested that that dedicated dedicated staff staff members members could could OVERALLOVERALL - EQUALITY - EQUALITY AND AND ANTI-DISCRIMINATION ANTI-DISCRIMINATION be employedbe employed across across each each of theof thethematic thematic priorities priorities for forboth both Traveller Traveller and and Roma Roma people. people. This This is is TRAVELLERTRAVELLER - HOUSING - HOUSING & ACCOMMODATION, & ACCOMMODATION, EMPLOYMENT, EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION, EDUCATION, HEALTH HEALTH unrealistic.unrealistic. Thus, Thus, to ensureto ensure that that the thestrategy strategy delivers delivers practical practical and and real real change change for forthe thepeople people it it ROMAROMA - HOUSING - HOUSING & ACCOMMODATION, & ACCOMMODATION, EMPLOYMENT, EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION EDUCATION represents,represents, the thefollowing following key key implementation implementation arrangements arrangements are areproposed: proposed: CKL CKLP willP willconv conveneene target targeted smalled small working working groups groups to revie to review thew therevis revised aedction action plan, plan, this this ForFor ease ease of reference, of reference, where where themes themes overlap overlap for for both both Roma Roma and and Traveller Traveller communities communities (i.e. (i.e. will winillvolveinvolve identifying identifying a leada lead agency agency for foreach each action action along along with with suggested suggested HousingHousing & Accommodation, & Accommodation, Employment, Employment, Education), Education), the theactions actions have have been been grouped grouped together. together. supportsupport or ganisations.organisations. This This process process will willals oa lsinvolvo involve mea kmingak ingan an initial initial appr approachoach to to the thenamed named agency agency to ensure to ensure that that that that will willaccept accept responsibility responsibility for leadfor leading ingon thaton that particularparticular action. action. The The Interagency Interagency Steering Steering Group Group ove overseersee the theimplementation implementation of the of theStrateg Strategy. y. CKLP CKLP will willappoint appoint a Coordinat a Coordinator toor overs to oversee theee theimplementation implementation of the of theKildar Kildare Trave Tellerraveller andandRomaRoma Inclusion Inclusion Strategy Strategy CKLP CKLP will willwork w orkto s teocur seecur resoure resourcesces to enable to enable over overall communitall community devy delopmentevelopment staff staff to to be ebmploye employed fedor boforth bo Tthrav Tellerraveller & R oma& Roma communities. communities. Thes These rolese roles are arseene seen as pivo as pivotal intal in drivingdriving the theremainder remainder of the of thestrateg strategy. y. I I S S . T. T The The nclusion nclusion trat trategyegy should should be subjectbe subject to annual to annual review reviewhis hisshould should involv involve e consultationconsultationwithw iTthrav Tellerraveller and and Roma Roma people people to trevieo review progrw progressess against against the the statsedtat edoutcomes/indicator outcomes/indicators. Ts.h isT hwisill woffill eroff aer regular a regular opportunit opportunity toy updatto update thee the plan plan basbased edupon upon new/emer new/emergingging priorities. priorities. It is It ackno is acknowledgedwledged that that this this is no ist no a fixt aed fix anded and rigid rigid strategstrategy, moreovery, moreover it repres it representsents the thefirst fir stagest stage in achie in achievingving meaningful meaningful change change an da nd momovingving towar towards dsthe theinclusion inclusion of T ofraveller Traveller and and Roma Ro mapeople. people. The T hene wn eRwoma Roma Emplo Employmentyment Progr Programmeamme thr oughthrough CKLP CKLP will will be beintegrat integrated edint oint o S S thisthistrategytrategy when when the theworker worker is appoi is appointed.nted. This T hisstrat strategyegy has has identified identified a major a major ga pg ainp rinelation relation to basicto basic communit community y infrastructure,infrastructure, particularlyparticularlywhichwhich for ftheor theRoma Roma communit community. Ayction. Action will willbe requirbe required ined t hine tshorhe short t termterm to atdod aressddress this, this, may may involve: involve: • E•stablishingEstablishing a R omaa Roma suppor support ortganisation organisation in Count in County Kildarey Kildare. In .the In theinitial initial stages stages of implementationof implementation the theInteragenc Interagency gryoup group will willsupporsupport thet thedev delopmentevelopment of ao f a KildareKildare Roma Roma Forum Forum as aasn essan essentialential mechanism mechanism for fengagementor engagement with with Roma Roma in in CountyCounty Kildare. Kildare. • Br•oadeningBroadening the theScope Scope of Kildar of Kildare Trave Tellerraveller Action Action (KT A)(K TtoA) become to become Kildar Kildare e

TravellerTravelleranda Romand Roma Action Action (KTRA) (KTRA)

52 52 53 53 EQUALITY AND ANTI - DISCRIMINATION

OBJECTIVE PROPOSED LEAD PARTNERS RESOURCES ACHIEVED INDICATORS ACTION REQUIRED BY

Communities To research an appropriate Cultural CKLP KTA Staff Time Q4 2020 Programme Identified and available for across Kildare Awareness & Anti-Racism Programme for roll-out have a greater County Kildare awareness, understanding To upskill and support Travellers and CKLP KTA Training Resources From Q2 Skilled Traveller and Roma Facilitators and acceptance Roma Leaders to deliver programmes and Pavee Point Expenses 2021 available to rollout Anti-Racism and of Travellers & workshops Premises Anti-Discrimination Programmes Roma To roll out Cultural Awareness and CKLP KTA Staff-time From Q3 Anti-Racism & Anti-Discrimination Anti-Racism Programme to local Programme Costs 2021 Programme delivered stakeholders including public service Materials providers, Chamber of Commerce, Venue community & voluntary organisations

To fund the rollout of the Yellow Flag CKLP KTA Funding Annual 2 Yellow Flag Programmes will be delivered Programme in two schools per year in ITM in Kildare based schools per year County Kildare

To showcase and celebrate Traveller & KTA KTA Staff Time Annual Travellers & Roma culture and Roma cultural diversity through media Funding achievements showcased and celebrated events, Traveller Pride, Social Inclusion Week

To support Traveller & Roma participation Kildare Sports Community Staff Time From Q3 Number of sporting events Traveller & in main-stream sporting events Partnership Gardai 2020 Roma participate in

54 55 EQUALITY AND ANTI - DISCRIMINATION

OBJECTIVE PROPOSED LEAD PARTNERS RESOURCES ACHIEVED INDICATORS ACTION REQUIRED BY

To fund the rollout of the Yellow Flag CKLP KTA Funding Annual 2 Yellow Flag Programmes will be delivered Programme in two schools per year in ITMITM inin KildareKildare basedbased schoolsschools perper yearyear County Kildare

To support Traveller & Roma participation Kildare Sports Community Staff Time From Q3 Number of sporting events Traveller & inin main-streammain-stream sportingsporting eventsevents Partnership Gardai 2020 Roma participate in

54 55 OBJECTIVEOBJECTIVE PROPOSEDPROPOSED LEADLEAD PARTNERSPARTNERSRESOURCESRESOURCES TIMESCALETIMESCALE INDICATORSINDICATORS ACTIONACTION REQUIREDREQUIRED

TravellerTraveller & Roma & Roma To developTo develop a resourced a resourced Countywide Countywide Roma Roma CKLPCKLP InteragencyInteragency FundingFunding for Roma for Roma Q3 2021Q3 2021 • Roma• Roma Forum Forum Established Established havehave increased increased ForumForum to explore, to explore, highlight highlight and andadvocate advocate ImplementationImplementationSupportSupport Worker Worker • Roma• Roma Support Support Worker Worker in Place in Place confidenceconfidence that that on issueson issues relating relating to access to access to Housing, to Housing, GroupGroup PremisesPremises issueissue of concern of concern healthhealth and andeducation education services services PaveePavee Point Point RefreshmentsRefreshments will bewill addressed be addressed by relevantby relevant To adoptTo adopt Kildare Kildare Diversity Diversity Charter Charter in in CKLPCKLP KTAKTA Staff-timeStaff-time FromFrom Q4 2020 Q4 2020 • Diversity• Diversity Charter Charter Inclusive Inclusive of of groups/agenciesgroups/agencies respectrespect of of the the Traveller Traveller & Roma& Roma PremisesPremises TravellersTravellers & Roma & Roma communitiescommunities • Number• Number of service of service providers providers who who havehave adopted adopted the Charterthe Charter

To rollTo outroll outa series a series of Know of Know Your Your Rights Rights CKLPCKLP KTAKTA Staff-timeStaff-time FromFrom Q1 2021 Q1 2021 WorkshopsWorkshops Under Under Equality Equality Legislation Legislation CIC CIC PremisesPremises NumberNumber of Workshops of Workshops Delivered Delivered for for Travellers Travellers and and Roma Roma and and signpost signpost bothboth communities communities towards towards appropriate appropriate supportssupports

To engageTo engage with withCounty County Kildare Kildare Chamber Chamber CKLPCKLP KTAKTA Staff-timeStaff-time Q3 2021Q3 2021 NumberNumber of Workshops of Workshops of Commerceof Commerce to deliverto deliver a seriesa series of of ChamberChamber of of PremisesPremises EqualityEquality Awareness Awareness Workshops Workshops with with CommerceCommerce ProgrammeProgramme Costs Costs businessbusiness owners owners across across Kildare Kildare to ensure to ensure a bettera better understanding understanding of legal of legal obligations obligations and andTraveller Traveller & Roma & Roma rights rights amongst amongst the the businessbusiness community. community.

To developTo develop dialogue dialogue between between Travellers Travellers CKLPCKLP KTAKTA Staff-timeStaff-time AnnualAnnual ImprovedImproved access access for Traveller for Traveller and and and and Roma Roma with with local local stakeholders stakeholders RomaRoma to local to local includingincluding businesses businesses and andcommunity community facilitiesfacilities organisationsorganisations

ResourceResource Kildare Kildare Traveller Traveller Action Action to to CKLPCKLP KCCKCC FundingFunding Q1 2020Q1 2020 KTA KTAis sufficiently is sufficiently resources resources to employto employ supportsupport the voicethe voice of Travellers of Travellers and andRoma Roma the the necessary necessary staff staff to toimplement implement the the in Countyin County Kildare Kildare StrategyStrategy

56 56 57 57 OBJECTIVEOBJECTIVE PROPOSEDPROPOSED LEADLEAD PARTNERSPARTNERSRESOURCESRESOURCES TIMESCALETIMESCALE INDICATORSINDICATORS ACTIONACTION REQUIREDREQUIRED

56 56 57 57 HOUSING & ACCOMMODATION

OBJECTIVE PROPOSED LEAD PARTNERS RESOURCES TIMESCALE INDICATORS ACTION REQUIRED

Adequate Undertake further research and Interagency Funding for Q4 2020 • Strategy support worker in place. provision of engagement with the Traveller community Implementation Research and staff • Research completed. accessible, and statutory agencies in relation to Steering to co-ordinate • Agreed recommendations integrated suitable and Traveller Accommodation. Group and lead research into policy. culturally • Increased understanding and appropriate awareness of the accommodation accommodation challenges and needs of the Traveller available for community Travellers. To develop a community development KTA CKLP Staff and Q3 2020 • Strategy Support Worker in place. initiative on the 3 halting sites, developing KCC funding • Development and implementation of the capacity of the community to community development programme participate in and benefit from local targeting sites supports available and engage in • Number of residents that participate in community development initiatives. programmes.

Delivery of To develop a community participation KTA KCC Staff and Q4 2020 • Development and implementation of Traveller strategy which supports Travellers on the ITM funding participation strategy accommodation LTACC to represent the needs of the wider • Increase participation of Traveller will be under- Traveller community representatives on TACC pinned by a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, with a view to ensuring full expenditure of funds allocated for Traveller specific accommodation.

There is a greater To support the Roma Forum, once CKLP Pavee Point Funding for Q2 2020 There is greater understanding of understanding of established, in accessing information on Traveller & research housing rights and associated supports housing needs of housing rights and associated supports Roma Centre Staff for Roma in County Kildare Roma in Co. available in County Kildare. Kildare

58 59 HOUSINGHOUSING & & ACCOMMODATION ACCOMMODATION

OBJECTIVEOBJECTIVE PROPOSEDPROPOSED LEADLEAD PARTNERSPARTNERSRESOURCESRESOURCES TIMESCALETIMESCALE INDICATORSINDICATORS ACTIONACTION REQUIREDREQUIRED

AdequateAdequate UndertakeUndertake further further research research and and InteragencyInteragency FundingFunding for for Q4Q4 2020 2020 • S•trategyStrategy support support worker worker in place.in place. provisionprovision of of engagementengagement with with the the Traveller Traveller community community ImplementationImplementation ResearchResearch and and staff staff • Research• Research completed. completed. accessible,accessible, andand statutory statutory agencies agencies in inrelation relation to to SteeringSteering to toco-ordinate co-ordinate • Agreed• Agreed recommendations recommendations integrated integrated suitablesuitable and and TravellerTraveller Accommodation. Accommodation. GroupGroup andand lead lead research research intointo policy. policy. culturallyculturally • Increased• Increased understanding understanding and and appropriateappropriate awarenessawareness of ofthe the accommodation accommodation accommodationaccommodation challengeschallenges and and needs needs of ofthe the Traveller Traveller availableavailable for for communitycommunity Travellers.Travellers. ToTo develop develop a a community community development development KTAKTA CKLPCKLP StaffStaff and and Q3Q3 2020 2020 • Strategy• Strategy Support Support Worker Worker in place.in place. initiativeinitiative on on the the 3 halting3 halting sites, sites, developing developing KCCKCC fundingfunding • Development• Development and and implementation implementation of of thethe capacitycapacity of of thethe communitycommunity to to communitycommunity development development programme programme participateparticipate in in and and benefit benefit from from local local targetingtargeting sites sites supportssupports availableavailable andand engageengage in in • Number• Number of ofresidents residents that that participate participate in in communitycommunity development development initiatives. initiatives. programmes.programmes.

DeliveryDelivery of of ToTo develop develop a a community community participation participation KTAKTA KCCKCC StaffStaff and and Q4Q4 2020 2020 • Development• Development and and implementation implementation of of TravellerTraveller strategystrategy which which supports supports Travellers Travellers on on the the ITMITM fundingfunding participationparticipation strategy strategy accommodationaccommodation LTACCLTACC to torepresent represent the the needs needs of ofthe the wider wider • Increase• Increase participation participation of ofTraveller Traveller willwill be be under under- - TravellerTraveller community community representativesrepresentatives on on TACC TACC pinnedpinned by by a a robustrobust monitoring monitoring andand evaluation evaluation framework,framework, with with a viewa view to toensuring ensuring fullfull expenditure expenditure of offunds funds allocated allocated forfor Traveller Traveller specificspecific accommodation.accommodation.

ThereThere is ais greater a greater ToTo support support the the Roma Roma Forum, Forum, once once CKLPCKLP PaveePavee Point Point FundingFunding for for Q2Q2 2020 2020 ThereThere is greateris greater understanding understanding of of understandingunderstanding of of established,established, in inaccessing accessing information information on on TravellerTraveller & & researchresearch housinghousing rights rights and and associated associated supports supports housinghousing needs needs of of housinghousing rights rights and and associated associated supports supports RomaRoma Centre Centre StaffStaff forfor Roma Roma in Countyin County Kildare Kildare RomaRoma in Co.in Co. availableavailable in Countyin County Kildare. Kildare. KildareKildare

5858 5959 EMPLOYMENT

OBJECTIVE PROPOSED LEAD PARTNERS RESOURCES TIMESCALE INDICATORS ACTION REQUIRED

Resource Recruit a dedicated Traveller Employment CKLP KTA Staffing and 2021 Employment Support Worker in place Traveller & Roma Support Worker KCC Project Costs Employment Supports Recruit a dedicated Roma Employment CKLP Staffing and 2019 Employment Support Worker in place Support Worker Project Costs

There will be Establishment of Drop-in facilities for CKLP KTA Funding 2020 • Drop in Facilities established increased Roma communities in County Kildare Pavee Point Premises • Number of people who attend the employment, Traveller and Staffing Costs drop in for support training and Roma Centre • Number of outreach sessions apprenticeships opportunities for Develop translated and accessible informa- DEASP Local enterprise Material Q4 2020 Information leaflets developed Travellers and tion leaflets and web services to support office Funding Roma individuals to access employment services. CKLP Staff time B Development and roll out of targeted KWET CKLP Staffing and Annually • No of training programmes delivered training programmes which aim to promote Project Costs • No of attendance of Traveller and sustainable employment. (Examples: Roma at Training programmes Literacy skills, English Language Skills, • No of support sessions/initiatives Safe Pass, HACCP, Manual Handling, Car delivered Mechanic, Guarding Skills

Raise Traveller and Roma awareness and CKLP KWETB Staffing and Annually No of referrals promote further education and training Joint promotional Project Costs services already available through KWETB action In collabora- and SICAP. Review DEASP video ‘Breaking tion with LEOs Stereotypes’ portrays Traveller and Roma and SICAP liaison customers various pathways to work officers in INTREO offices

Employer awareness campaign: Work with Chamber DEASP Staffing and 2021 • Number of employers who received employers of Joint promotional Project Costs cultural awareness training • mentoring and supporting employers to Commerce action In collabora- • Number of employers who employ understand Traveller and Roma culture tion with LEOs and Traveller and Roma • educating public sector employers on their SICAP liaison obligations through Public Sector Duty officers in INTREO • provide awareness training to eliminate any offices stereotypes and prejudices KTA Pavee Point

Provide Citizens Information Workshops and Citizens KTA Staffing and Annually Number of Information sessions outreach clinics to improve awareness of Information CKLP Project Costs occurred employments rights for Traveller and Roma. board

60 61 EMPLOYMENTEMPLOYMENT

OBJECTIVEOBJECTIVE PROPOSEDPROPOSED LEADLEAD PARTNERSPARTNERS RESOURCESRESOURCES TIMESCALETIMESCALE INDICATORSINDICATORS ACTIONACTION REQUIREDREQUIRED

ResourceResource RecruitRecruit a a dedicated dedicated Traveller Traveller Employment Employment CKLPCKLP KTAKTA StaffingStaffing andand 20212021 EmploymentEmployment SupportSupport WorkerWorker inin placeplace TravellerTraveller && RomaRoma SupportSupport WorkerWorker KCCKCC ProjectProject CostsCosts EmploymentEmployment SupportsSupports RecruitRecruit a a dedicated dedicated Roma Roma Employment Employment CKLPCKLP StaffingStaffing andand 20192019 EmploymentEmployment SupportSupport WorkerWorker inin placeplace SupportSupport WorkerWorker ProjectProject CostsCosts

ThereThere willwill bebe EstablishmentEstablishment of of Drop-in Drop-in facilities facilities for for CKLPCKLP KTAKTA FundingFunding 20202020 ••DropDrop inin FacilitiesFacilities establishedestablished increasedincreased RomaRoma communitiescommunities inin CountyCounty KildareKildare PaveePavee PointPoint PremisesPremises ••NumberNumber ofof peoplepeople whowho attendattend thethe employment,employment, TravellerTraveller andand StaffingStaffing CostsCosts dropdrop inin forfor supportsupport trainingtraining andand RomaRoma CentreCentre ••NumberNumber ofof outreachoutreach sessionssessions apprenticeshipsapprenticeships opportunitiesopportunities forfor DevelopDevelop translatedtranslated andand accessibleaccessible informainforma-- DEADEASPSP LocalLocal enterpriseenterprise MaterialMaterial Q4Q4 20202020 InformationInformation leafletsleaflets developeddeveloped TravellersTravellers andand tiontion leaflets leaflets andand webweb services services to to supportsupport officeoffice FundingFunding RomaRoma individualsindividuals toto accessaccess employmentemployment services.services. CKLPCKLP StaffStaff timetime BB DevelopmentDevelopment andand rollroll outout ofof targetedtargeted KWETKWET CKLPCKLP StaffingStaffing andand AnnuallyAnnually ••NoNo ofof trainingtraining programmesprogrammes delivereddelivered trainingtraining programmesprogrammes whichwhich aimaim toto promotepromote ProjectProject CostsCosts ••NoNo ofof attendanceattendance ofof TravellerTraveller andand sustainablesustainable employment. employment. (Examples: (Examples: RomaRoma atat TrainingTraining programmesprogrammes LiteracyLiteracy skills,skills, EnglishEnglish LanguageLanguage Skills,Skills, ••NoNo ofof supportsupport sessions/initiativessessions/initiatives SafeSafe Pass,Pass, HACCP,HACCP, ManualManual Handling,Handling, CarCar delivereddelivered Mechanic,Mechanic, GuardingGuarding SkillsSkills

RaiseRaise Traveller Traveller and and Roma Roma awareness awareness and and CKLPCKLP KWETBKWETB StaffingStaffing andand AnnuallyAnnually NoNo ofof referralsreferrals promotepromote furtherfurther educationeducation andand trainingtraining JointJoint promotionalpromotional ProjectProject CostsCosts servicesservices already already available available through through KWETB KWETB actionaction InIn collaboracollabora-- andand SICAP.SICAP. ReviewReview DEASPDEASP videovideo ‘Breaking‘Breaking tiontion withwith LEOsLEOs Stereotypes’Stereotypes’ portrays portrays Traveller Traveller and and Roma Roma andand SICAPSICAP liaisonliaison customerscustomers variousvarious pathwayspathways toto workwork officersofficers inin INTREOINTREO officesoffices

EmployerEmployer awareness awareness campaign: campaign: Work Work with with ChamberChamber DEASPDEASP StaffingStaffing andand 20212021 ••NumberNumber ofof employersemployers whowho receivedreceived employersemployers ofof JointJoint promotionalpromotional ProjectProject CostsCosts culturalcultural awarenessawareness trainingtraining ••mentoringmentoring andand supportingsupporting employersemployers toto CommerCommercece actionaction InIn collaboracollabora-- ••NumberNumber ofof employersemployers whowho employemploy understandunderstand TravellerTraveller andand RomaRoma cultureculture tiontion withwith LEOsLEOs andand TravellerTraveller andand RomaRoma ••educatingeducating publicpublic sectorsector employersemployers onon theirtheir SICAPSICAP liaisonliaison obligationsobligations throughthrough PublicPublic SectorSector DutyDuty officersofficers inin INTREOINTREO •• provideprovide awarenessawareness trainingtraining toto eliminateeliminate anyany officesoffices stereotypesstereotypes andand prejudicesprejudices KTAKTA PaveePavee PointPoint

ProvideProvide CitizensCitizens InformationInformation WorkshopsWorkshops andand CitizensCitizens KTAKTA StaffingStaffing andand AnnuallyAnnually NumberNumber ofof InformationInformation sessionssessions outreachoutreach clinicsclinics toto improveimprove awarenessawareness ofof InformationInformation CKLPCKLP ProjectProject CostsCosts occurredoccurred employmentsemployments rightsrights forfor TravellerTraveller andand Roma.Roma. boardboard

6060 6161 OBJECTIVEOBJECTIVE PROPOSEDPROPOSED LEADLEAD PARTNERSPARTNERS RESOURCESRESOURCES TIMESCALETIMESCALE INDICATORSINDICATORS ACTIONACTION REQUIREDREQUIRED

ThereThere will will be be CareerCareer guidanceguidance andand preparationpreparation ofof SICAPSICAP DEASPDEASP StaffingStaffing AnnuallyAnnually NumberNumber of of people people who who received received support support clearclear links links and and PersonalPersonal Action Action Plans Plans forfor career career guidance guidance and and PAPs PAPs progressionprogression routesroutes between between IdentifyIdentify and and deliver deliver a a range range of of personal personal and and KKWETBWETB CKLPCKLP StaffingStaffing andand AnnuallyAnnually ••NoNo of of Traveller Traveller and and Roma Roma who who attend attend education,education, socialsocial developmentdevelopment programmesprogrammes toto buildbuild ProjectProject Costs Costs personalpersonal and and social social development development training,training, and and individualsindividuals confidence confidence to to engageengage in in programmesprogrammes employment.employment. employmentemployment ••DistanceDistance Travelled Travelled Tool Tool (qualitative (qualitative (Examples:(Examples: Pre-DevelopmentPre-Development / / soft soft skills skills indicator)indicator) courses,courses, CV CV Support, Support, Driving Driving Lessons, Lessons, TheoryTheory Test Test ) )

EntrepreneurshipEntrepreneurship PromotePromote and and encourage encourage self self employment employment DEDEASPASP LocalLocal StaffingStaffing andand AnnuallyAnnually ••NumberNumber of of pre pre enterprise enterprise courses courses held held andand self self throughthrough 1:1 1:1 and and group group engagement engagement and and EnterpriseEnterprise ProjectProject Costs Costs ••NumberNumber of of Roma Roma and and Travellers Travellers in in self self employmentemployment runrun prepre enterpriseenterprise coursescourses aimedaimed atat OfficeOffice employmentemployment opportunitiesopportunities for for TravellerTraveller and and Roma Roma communities communities CKLPCKLP TravellerTraveller and and RomaRoma should should be be PromotePromote andand encourageencourage socialsocial enterpriseenterprise CKLPCKLP KTAKTA StaffingStaffing andand 20242024 ••NumberNumber of of social social enterprise enterprise training training supported.supported. amongamong the the Traveller Traveller and and Roma Roma communities communities LocalLocal ProjectProject Costs Costs programmesprogrammes ProvideProvide aa socialsocial enterpriseenterprise trainingtraining EnterpriseEnterprise ••NumberNumber of of social social enterprises enterprises programmeprogramme to to develop develop traditional traditional skills skills OfficeOffice establishedestablished

6262 6363 OBJECTIVEOBJECTIVE PROPOSEDPROPOSED LEADLEAD PARTNERSPARTNERS RESOURCESRESOURCES TIMESCALETIMESCALE INDICATORSINDICATORS ACTIONACTION REQUIREDREQUIRED

6262 6363 EDUCATIONEDUCATION

OBJECTIVEOBJECTIVE PROPOSEDPROPOSED LEADLEAD PARTNERSPARTNERS RESOURCESRESOURCES TIMESCALETIMESCALE INDICATORSINDICATORS ACTIONACTION REQUIREDREQUIRED

AccessAccess , , ProvideProvide informationinformation onon ECCEECCE SchemeScheme KCCCKCCC KTAKTA StaffStaff timetime AnnuallyAnnually ••InfInformationormation leaflets leaflets distributeddistributed to to participationparticipation includingincluding listslists ofof preschoolpreschool servicesservices PHCTPHCT serviceservice providers providers andand outcomes outcomes operatingoperating the the scheme, scheme, eligibility eligibility criteria criteria and and HSEHSE ••DevelopmentDevelopment of of positive positive links links between between forfor Travellers Travellers applicationapplication processprocess toto thosethose withwith directdirect KCCCKCCC & & Traveller/Roma Traveller/Roma Support Support andand Roma Roma in in contactcontact with with Traveller Traveller and and Roma Roma parents parents (e.g. (e.g. GroupsGroups educationeducation TravellerTraveller Primary Primary Health Health Care Care Project, Project, Roma Roma willwill be be EmploymentEmployment Support Support Worker, Worker, PHNs, PHNs, EWOs) EWOs) improvedimproved to to achieveachieve ProvideProvide informationinformation andand supportsupport toto TuslaTusla EWS EWS HSEHSE Staff-timeStaff-time AnnuallyAnnually ••TravellerTraveller and and Roma Roma children children starting starting outcomesoutcomes that that TravellerTraveller and and Roma Roma parents parents on on school school KTAKTA PrimaryPrimary school school at at the the same same age age those those areare equal equal to to enrolmentenrolment processesprocesses toto encourageencourage KildareKildare Roma Roma fromfrom the the majority majority population population thosethose for for the the enrolmentenrolment ofof childrenchildren inin primaryprimary ForumForum ••NoNo Traveller Traveller or or Roma Roma child child without without a a majoritymajority andand post post primary primary PostPost Primary Primary school school place place when when they they populationpopulation leaveleave 6th 6th class class in in Primary Primary School School

ProvideProvide informationinformation workshopsworkshops toto workersworkers TuslaTusla EWS EWS KTAKTA Staff-timeStaff-time AnnuallyAnnually ••InformationInformation Workshops Workshops provided provided by by whowho comecome intointo directdirect contactcontact withwith CKLPCKLP TuslaTusla EWS EWS TravellerTraveller and and Roma Roma Parents Parents to to ensure ensure CitizensCitizens ••ImprovedImproved links links developed developed between between parentsparents are are informed informed and and supported supported if if their their InformationInformation TuslaTusla EWS EWS and and services services working working childchild is is suspended, suspended, expelled expelled or or placed placed on on a a BoardBoard directlydirectly with with Traveller Traveller and and Roma Roma families families reducedreduced timetable timetable andand young young people people ••TravellerTraveller & & Roma Roma Parents Parents better better informed informed andand supported supported ••QueriesQueries from from Traveller Traveller and and Roma Roma parents parents beingbeing responded responded to to

ThereThere will will be be a a EncourageEncourage opportunitiesopportunities andand supportsupport KTAKTA TuslaTusla EWS EWS Staff-timeStaff-time 20202020 - - 2023 2023 ImprovedImproved links links developed developed between between positivepositive culture culture of of TravellerTraveller and and Roma Roma parents parents to to engage engage HSCPHSCP TravellerTraveller & & Roma Roma parents parents and and schools schools respectrespect and and withschoolswithschools protectionprotection for for the the culturalcultural identity identity of of TravellersTravellers and and RomaRoma across across the the educationeducation system system

6464 6565 EDUCATIONEDUCATION

OBJECTIVEOBJECTIVE PROPOSEDPROPOSED LEADLEAD PARTNERSPARTNERS RESOURCESRESOURCES TIMESCALETIMESCALE INDICATORSINDICATORS ACTIONACTION REQUIREDREQUIRED

6464 6565 OBJECTIVEOBJECTIVE PROPOSEDPROPOSED LEADLEAD PARTNERSPARTNERS RESOURCESRESOURCES TIMESCALETIMESCALE INDICATORSINDICATORS ACTIONACTION REQUIREDREQUIRED

ToTo enhance enhance Traveller Traveller ToTo support support the the development development of of a alocal local MaynoothMaynooth Inter-agencyInter-agency StakeholderStakeholder 4th4th Quarter Quarter 2020 2020 LocalLocal strategy strategy developed developed and and andand Roma Roma progression progression strategystrategy to to promote promote Traveller Traveller and and Roma Roma UniversityUniversity groupgroup member member participation participation documenteddocumented toto and and participation participation in in progressionprogression to to and and participation participation in in 3rd 3rd organisationsorganisations FundingFunding 3rd3rd level level education education levellevel education education

ToTo establish establish an an ToTo research research the the experience experience and and out out- - CKLPCKLP MaynoothMaynooth StakeholderStakeholder evidenceevidence base base in in comescomes for for Traveller Traveller and and Roma Roma across across UniversityUniversity participationparticipation 4th4th Quarter Quarter 2021 2021 ResearchResearch report report produced produced relationrelation to to the the educa educa- - thethe education education system, system, to to include include the the FundingFunding tionaltional experiences experiences of of voicevoice of of children/young children/young people, people, TravellerTraveller and and Roma Roma parents,parents, communitycommunity andand educationeducation providersproviders

ToTo establish establish an an agreed agreed InIn partnership partnership with with Government Government MaynoothMaynooth Inter-agencyInter-agency StakeholderStakeholder 2nd2nd Quarter Quarter 2021 2021 SystemsSystems in in place place to to identify identify participation, participation, processprocess and and means means by by DepartmentsDepartments andand otherother relevantrelevant UniversityUniversity implementationimplementation participation participation attainmentattainment and and progression progression of of Traveller Traveller whichwhich to to monitor monitor and and stakeholdersstakeholders to to develop develop systems systems to to groupgroup andand Roma Roma across across the the education education lifecycle lifecycle tracktrack the the participation, participation, identifyidentify participation, participation, attainment attainment and and membersmembers attainmentattainment and and progressionprogression of of Traveller Traveller and and Roma Roma progressionprogression of of Traveller Traveller acrossacross the the education education lifecycle. lifecycle. andand Roma Roma across across the the educationeducation lifecycle. lifecycle.

ToTo engage engage stakeholders stakeholders ToTo organise organise a a conference conference with with key key CKLPCKLP MaynoothMaynooth StakeholderStakeholder 2nd2nd Quarter Quarter 2020 2020 ConferenceConference taken taken place place in in an an inter-agency inter-agency stakeholdersstakeholders to to explore explore Traveller Traveller and and UniversityUniversity participationparticipation discussiondiscussion about about RomaRoma education education in in Co. Co. Kildare Kildare FundingFunding Traveller/RomaTraveller/Roma EducationEducation and and in in supportingsupporting the the goals goals ofof the the Traveller/Roma Traveller/Roma strategy.strategy. HEALTHHEALTH

OBJECTIVEOBJECTIVE PROPOSEDPROPOSED LEADLEAD PARTNERSPARTNERS RESOURCESRESOURCES TIMESCALETIMESCALE INDICATORSINDICATORS ACTIONACTION REQUIREDREQUIRED

TravellersTravellers and and SeekSeek increased increased resources resources for for Traveller Traveller KTAKTA Inter-agencyInter-agency StaffingStaffing CostsCosts Q4Q4 2020 2020 TravellerTraveller Primary Primary Health Health Care Care RomaRoma will will have have PrimaryPrimary Health Health Care Care Programme Programme implementationimplementation group group TrainingTraining Resources Resources ProgrammeProgramme is is better better resource resource improvedimproved access, access, , , opportunities,opportunities, SeekSeek resourcesresources toto developdevelop throughthrough HSEHSE InteragencyInteragency StaffingStaffing & & 2020-20212020-2021 RomaRoma community community trained trained and and , , participationparticipation rates rates trainingtraining a a locallocal teamteam ofof RomaRoma ImplementationImplementation Group Group ProjectProject Costs Costs operatingoperating as as Roma Roma Community Community andand outcomes outcomes in in CommunityCommunity HealthHealth Workers Workers basedbased onon PaveePavee Point Point Traveller Traveller & & HealthHealth Workers Workers thethe health health ththee PrimaryPrimary HealthHealth CareCare for for T ravelTravellerslers RomaRoma Centre Centre carecare system system PrProjectoject Model Model

6666 6767 OBJECTIVE PROPOSED LEAD PARTNERS RESOURCES TIMESCALE INDICATORS ACTION REQUIRED

To enhance Traveller To support the development of a local Maynooth Inter-agency Stakeholder 4th Quarter 2020 Local strategy developed and and Roma progression strategy to promote Traveller and Roma University group member participation documented to and participation in progression to and participation in 3rd organisations Funding 3rd level education level education

To establish an To research the experience and out- CKLP Maynooth Stakeholder evidence base in comes for Traveller and Roma across University participation 4th Quarter 2021 Research report produced relation to the educa- the education system, to include the Funding tional experiences of voice of children/young people, Traveller and Roma parents, community and education providers

To establish an agreed In partnership with Government Maynooth Inter-agency Stakeholder 2nd Quarter 2021 Systems in place to identify participation, process and means by Departments and other relevant University implementation participation attainment and progression of Traveller which to monitor and stakeholders to develop systems to group and Roma across the education lifecycle track the participation, identify participation, attainment and members attainment and progression of Traveller and Roma progression of Traveller across the education lifecycle. and Roma across the education lifecycle.

To engage stakeholders To organise a conference with key CKLP Maynooth Stakeholder 2nd Quarter 2020 Conference taken place in an inter-agency stakeholders to explore Traveller and University participation discussion about Roma education in Co. Kildare Funding Traveller/Roma Education and in supporting the goals of the Traveller/Roma strategy. HEALTH

OBJECTIVE PROPOSED LEAD PARTNERS RESOURCES TIMESCALE INDICATORS ACTION REQUIRED

Travellers and Seek increased resources for Traveller KTA Inter-agency Staffing Costs Q4 2020 Traveller Primary Health Care Roma will have Primary Health Care Programme implementation group Training Resources Programme is better resource improved access, , opportunities, Seek resources to develop through HSE Interagency Staffing & 2020-2021 Roma community trained and , participation rates training a local team of Roma Implementation Group Project Costs operating as Roma Community and outcomes in Community Health Workers based on Pavee Point Traveller & Health Workers the health the Primary Health Care for Travellers Roma Centre care system Project Model

66 67 OBJECTIVEOBJECTIVE PROPOSEDPROPOSED LEADLEAD PARTNERSPARTNERS RESOURCESRESOURCES TIMESCALETIMESCALE INDICATORSINDICATORS ACTIONACTION REQUIREDREQUIRED

HealthHealth EngageEngage with with The The Traveller Traveller Health Health Unit Unit & & KTAKTA InteragencyInteragency StaffStaff timetime andand Q1Q1 2023 2023 TravellerTraveller Men’s Men’s Primary Primary Health Health Care Care InequalitiesInequalities NationalNational Office Office ofof SuicideSuicide Prevention Prevention to to ImplementationImplementation projectproject costs costs WorkerWorker Appointed Appointed experiencedexperienced ResourceResource a a Traveller Traveller Men’s Men’s Primary Primary Health Health GroupGroup byby Travellers Travellers CareCare Worker Worker andand Roma Roma willwill be be EnsureEnsure access access to to interpreters interpreters in in GP GP HSEHSE InteragencyInteragency StaffingStaffing & & Q1Q1 2021 2021 InterpretersInterpreters are are available available to to Roma Roma reducedreduced consultationconsultation and and across across the the health health services services ImplementationImplementation ProjectProject Costs Costs seekingseeking accessing accessing services services forfor Roma Roma as as appropriate appropriate GroupGroup

HealthHealth services services PromotePromote immunisationimmunisation uptakeuptake amongamong HSEHSE InteragencyInteragency StaffingStaffing & & 20202020 - - 2021 2021 RomaRoma children children receiving receiving vaccinations vaccinations shouldshould be be membersmembers ofof thethe RomaRoma communitycommunity withwith anan ImplementationImplementation ProjectProject Costs Costs delivereddelivered and and emphasisemphasis on on early early vaccinations vaccinations GroupGroup developeddeveloped in in aa way way that that is is SupportSupport Roma Roma women women access access maternal maternal KildareKildare Roma Roma StaffingStaffing & & 20202020 - - 2021 2021 SupportsSupports in in place place for for Roma Roma women women culturallyculturally healthhealth services services ForumForum ProjectProject Costs Costs accessingaccessing maternal maternal health health services services appropriateappropriate

TheThe rate rate of of suicide suicide EngageEngage inin researchresearch intointo thethe mentalmental healthhealth HSEHSE InteragencyInteragency FundingFunding for for Q1Q1 2021 2021 ResearchResearch into into the the mental mental health health needs needs andand mental mental health health needsneeds of of Traveller Traveller & & Roma Roma communities communities ImplementationImplementation ResearchResearch ofof Travellers Travellers and and Roma Roma completed completed problemsproblems within within GroupGroup thethe Traveller Traveller andand Roma Roma communitiescommunities DevelopDevelop relationshiprelationship andand linkslinks withwith CHOCHO KTAKTA HSEHSE StaffStaff timetime Q3Q3 2020 2020 TravellerTraveller & & Roma Roma have have access access to to posi posi-- willwill be be reduced reduced AreaArea 7 7 Traveller Traveller Mental Mental Health Health Co-ordinator Co-ordinator ProgrammeProgramme tivetive health health and and wellbeing wellbeing initiatives initiatives andand positive positive toto deliver deliver a a range range of of positive positive mental mental health health resourcesresources mentalmental health health initiativeinitiative throughout throughout the the county county initiativesinitiatives should should bebe put put in in place place DevelopDevelop culturallyculturally appropriateappropriate servicesservices HSEHSE PaveePavee Point Point StaffStaff timetime 2020-20212020-2021 CulturallyCulturally appropriate appropriate services services toto respondrespond toto thethe mentalmental healthhealth needsneeds ofof FundingFunding addressingaddressing mentalmental healthhealth needsneeds ofof RomaRoma RomaRoma are are developed developed

6868 6969 OBJECTIVE PROPOSED LEAD PARTNERS RESOURCES TIMESCALE INDICATORS ACTION REQUIRED

Health Engage with The Traveller Health Unit & KTA Interagency Staff time and Q1 2023 Traveller Men’s Primary Health Care Inequalities National Office of Suicide Prevention to Implementation project costs Worker Appointed experienced Resource a Traveller Men’s Primary Health Group by Travellers Care Worker and Roma will be Ensure access to interpreters in GP HSE Interagency Staffing & Q1 2021 Interpreters are available to Roma reduced consultation and across the health services Implementation Project Costs seeking accessing services for Roma as appropriate Group

Health services Promote immunisation uptake among HSE Interagency Staffing & 2020 - 2021 Roma children receiving vaccinations should be members of the Roma community with an Implementation Project Costs delivered and emphasis on early vaccinations Group developed in a way that is Support Roma women access maternal Kildare Roma Staffing & 2020 - 2021 Supports in place for Roma women culturally health services Forum Project Costs accessing maternal health services appropriate

The rate of suicide Engage in research into the mental health HSE Interagency Funding for Q1 2021 Research into the mental health needs and mental health needs of Traveller & Roma communities Implementation Research of Travellers and Roma completed problems within Group the Traveller and Roma communities Develop relationship and links with CHO KTA HSE Staff time Q3 2020 Traveller & Roma have access to posi- will be reduced Area 7 Traveller Mental Health Co-ordinator Programme tive health and wellbeing initiatives and positive to deliver a range of positive mental health resources mental health initiative throughout the county initiatives should be put in place Develop culturally appropriate services HSE Pavee Point Staff time 2020-2021 Culturally appropriate services to respond to the mental health needs of Funding addressing mental health needs of Roma Roma are developed

68 69 SECTION 10 : APPENDICES

- Appendix A: References & Bibliography

i Mapping the Roma Community in Scotland, 2013i ii National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021ii iii A Brief History of Irish Travellers-Irelands only Indigenous Minority’ (Culture Trip 2017). iv KILDARE CENSUS 2016 PROFILE DEMOGRAPHICS v Several Health actions are dependent on the establishment and resourcing of a county-wide Roma Forum and the appointment of a Roma Resource Workers. Cross referenced to Equality & Anti-Discrimination Actions

GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS

CIS Citizens Information Service CKLP County Kildare LEADER Partnership CYPSC Children and Young People’s Services Committees DEASP Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection DEIS Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools DSCFA Department of Social Community and Family Affairs DTP Donegal Traveller Project EU European Union EMRA Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly Foreign Direct Investment FDI HRC Habitual Residency Condition HSE Health Services Executive KCC Kildare County Council Kildare LCDC Kildare Local Community Development Committee Kildare CCC or KCCC Kildare County Childcare Committee KTA Kildare Traveller Action KWETB Kildare Wicklow Education and Training Board MD Municipal District NGO’s Non-Governmental Organisation’s NTRIS National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy Pavee Point Pavee Point Traveller & Roma Centre PR Public Relations SICAP Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme SPA Strategic Planning Areas THU Traveller Health Unit TRIP Tallaght Roma Integration Project TUSLA TUSLA Child and Family Agency, National Education & Welfare Board

70 71

The Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2018-2022 is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Social Fund as part of the ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020.