Minister Foley announces the opening of applications for the Traveller and Roma Local Employment Initiative
- Published on: 20 May 2026
- Last updated on: 20 May 2026
The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, today announced the opening of applications from eligible organisations for funding from the Traveller and Roma Local Employment Initiative.
The local employment initiative was established in 2006 (as the ‘Special Initiative for Travellers’) to address the disproportionately high levels of unemployment and underemployment experienced by Travellers in Ireland.
The programme currently operates through six local offices, supporting approximately 300 people each year.
The Traveller and Roma Local Employment Initiative is now being expanded to include Roma communities as part of a commitment under the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy II 2024–2028.
A new national coordinator will also be appointed to deliver the initiative in an increased number of locations nationwide. The selection of locations will be informed by the size and needs of Traveller and Roma populations in the areas concerned.
Minister Foley said:
“For almost two decades, this initiative has delivered locally based supports to Travellers to improve their access to employment. I welcome the inclusion of members of the Roma community in the initiative and the further rollout to new locations nationwide.
This is part of the clear commitment under the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy II to ensure that employment, education and training supports are accessible and responsive to the needs of Traveller and Roma communities.”
According to Census 2022, the unemployment rate for Travellers aged 15-65 years was 61%, which is down from 80% in Census 2016. The unemployment rate for members of the Roma community was 17% in Census 2022, which was the first time this had been recorded.
While the increase in the number of Travellers in employment is welcome, levels of unemployment for the Traveller and Roma community remain extremely high compared to the unemployment rate of the overall population. This underlines the barriers many members of the Traveller and Roma communities face in securing employment, including discrimination in hiring processes and within the workplace and lower levels of education and literacy. Targeted, locally based supports such as the Traveller and Roma Local Employment Initiative are a key part of the actions under the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy II.
Organisations with experience in providing local recruitment, training, employment and/or advocacy supports to Travellers and Roma, as well as those with a background in community development or peer outreach, are encouraged to apply to deliver the Traveller and Roma Local Employment Initiative.
In parallel, applications are also invited for the role of national Traveller and Roma Local Employment Initiative Coordinator. The coordinator will support the Department in overseeing the expansion and effective operation of the initiative. Eligible applicants should demonstrate relevant experience in delivering employment, training or enterprise supports, and/or experience working at regional or national level to address the needs of Traveller and Roma communities.
Notes to Editors
- Further information on eligibility criteria, funding arrangements and the application process is available on the Traveller and Roma Inclusion webpage.
- Detailed guidance can be found at the links below:
Applications must be submitted by email to equality@dcde.gov.ie by 12.00 midday on 17 June 2026.
The Traveller and Roma Local Employment Initiative is administered by the Traveller and Roma Policy Unit within the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. Queries in relation to the scheme can be directed to: equality@dcde.gov.ie