Social welfare payments should be increased. Long-term unemployment requires urgent attention. Adult Traveller lacking the benefits of education and training in a context which views Travellers negatively find it extremely difficult to access the labour market, and many are among the long-term unemployed. The local employment service should be extended to all designated partnership areas. The Jobs Initiative and the Community Employment Part-time Job Option should be expanded to reach the target set out in P2000.
Educational disadvantage requires additional resources.
Tackling educational disadvantage is an essential component of any strategy designed to address the social exclusion of Travellers. The Early Start Programme should be expanded. VTOS should be expanded and targeted at long-term unemployed, people with disabilities, lone parents and Travellers. Most Travellers now live on the fringes of Irish cities and towns, frequently in appalling circumstances lacking basic facilities such as access to clean water and basic sanitation. The implementation of Task Force Report recommendations on Traveller Accommodation is necessary.