The Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, has said that the recognition of Traveller ethnicity marks a monumental step towards delivering on our commitment to children\u2019s rights, but that it must be followed by real action.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe recognition of Traveller ethnicity has long been called for by the Ombudsman for Children\u2019s Office and others committed to tackling the serious challenges still confronting Traveller children in Ireland.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday is a monumental day for the Traveller community. All of those who campaigned for this day should be extremely proud of what they have achieved. However, the recognition of Traveller ethnicity must be followed by concrete measures and timelines that will improve the situation for young Travellers.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures (BOBF), the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People published in 2014, the Government acknowledged the poorer health and educational outcomes for Traveller children. Although targets were set to tackle health inequalities and to improve educational opportunities for Traveller children, no specific actions were outlined or delivered. This is an issue we raised before the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.<\/p>\n
\u201cA recent report published by the ESRI highlighted the continuing need to make significant changes that will improve the living circumstances and the opportunities available to Traveller children.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday\u2019s announcement will be followed by the publication of the National Strategy on Travellers and Roma People. I am hopeful that the actions laid out in the strategy will be ambitious and deliverable in the best interests of children.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe cannot allow the historic recognition of Traveller ethnicity to be an exercise in semantics. Real and tangible change must take place.\u201d<\/p>\n