New Traveller Visibility Group Premises in Cork opened
The Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D., yesterday officially opened the new premises of the Traveller Visibility Group, in the Glen, Cork and announced that the Government is providing a further €143,700 to the project. This funding is in addition to the €1.25 million which the Government has already provided to date.
The Taoiseach congratulated all those involved with the project which provides training and educational opportunities and supports to Travellers. “We are living in a changing society. Part of the challenge of that change is that Travellers and settled people alike have to adjust to new pressures.”
He endorsed the work of Minister Frank Fahey, T.D. and the High Level Group on Travellers which has been overseeing a number of pilot projects to improve services for Travellers at local level. He acknowledged that challenges remain “with accommodation, education, and health continuing to be priority issues.”
“In addition, inter-agency co-operation will have to apply to areas such as law enforcement and employment. Unfortunately, as with other elements of society, I think that it is acknowledged that there is criminal activity among a small number of Travellers. The most immediate victims of this behaviour are often other Travellers. It is essential therefore that agencies can take concerted actions against crime with the support of the law-abiding majority in the Traveller community.”
The Taoiseach also stressed the role of organisations such as the Traveller Visibility Group.
“As well as continuing to provide effective advocacy for Travellers, I would very much like to see representative organisations taking an active part in supporting the delivery of services. These organisations can play a vital role in helping with conflict resolution and facilitating communications at grassroots level. I look forward to an enhanced partnership between the State and the community and voluntary sector in helping to improve opportunities and delivering practical results for all Travellers.”
28th November
Editor’s Note
The Traveller Visibility Group is a community development project working with Travellers in the Glen, Cork and provides supports relating to education, accommodation, health and employment rights. The new premises also includes a childcare facility for twenty children. The Group receives funding from the Departments of Health and Children, Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and Social and Family Affairs.