Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy announces additional €500,000 to roll out Traveller healthy childhood initiative in two HSE Health Regions
- Foilsithe: 6 Feabhra 2026
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 6 Feabhra 2026
The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD has today announced the two health regions selected to deliver Brighter Beginnings, the Health Service Executive (HSE) Traveller healthy childhood initiative. The new initiative builds on progress already achieved through the implementation of the Traveller Health Action Plan 2022-2027.
Recurring funding of €250,000 is being allocated to two HSE Health Regions; HSE Dublin and North East and HSE Dublin and Midlands. The Brighter Beginnings initiative is designed to address Traveller child health inequalities by supporting Traveller families to engage with the services offered through the HSE National Healthy Childhood Programme.
Today’s announcement represents an important expansion of the programme which commenced last year in two initial sites in HSE West North West and HSE Dublin and South East.
Minister Murnane O’Connor said:
“This funding reflects the Government’s firm commitment to strengthening the provision of culturally-informed child health services in order to reduce health inequalities.
“Brighter Beginnings represents an opportunity to support Traveller parents to engage with the childhood services that support improved health, including childhood vaccination programmes, screenings and developmental checks.
“The programme is already operating successfully in two regions and I’m very pleased that the funding I’m announcing today will facilitate its expansion into two additional regions which will each receive €250,000 per year.
“Investment now will reap significant rewards later, as this initiative will give more Traveller children the chance to make a healthier start in life.”
Integrated Healthcare Area Manager, HSE Dublin South and Wicklow, Aisling Heffernan said:
“As Chair of the National Traveller Health Implementation Group, I welcome the announcement of additional dedicated funding to support Traveller children in accessing HSE services and improving their overall health outcomes.
“Travellers continue to experience stark health inequalities compared with the general population, with Traveller infant mortality rates remaining more than three and a half times higher than national figures.”
Notes to editor:
The Traveller Brighter Beginnings initiative is a partnership between the Department of Health, the HSE and Traveller organisations/Primary Health Care for Travellers Projects in addressing Traveller child health inequalities.