Offaly to lead expanded Traveller and Roma employment supports scheme
Offaly is to play a central role in the expansion of employment and training supports for Traveller and Roma communities, with Ballycommon Technology and Training Centre among the successful applicants for a new local employment office.
The announcement was made by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley today (Monday) as part of a major expansion of the Traveller and Roma Local Employment Initiative (TRLEI) Pilot Scheme.
Eight new local offices are being established across Dublin, Limerick, Longford, Offaly, Wexford and Waterford. The expansion will more than double the number of TRLEI offices nationwide, bringing the total to 14 and extending the initiative to 11 counties.
In Offaly, Ballycommon Technology and Training Centre has been selected to deliver the initiative, providing targeted employment and training supports to members of the Traveller and Roma communities in Offaly.
The announcement also represents a significant development for Offaly Traveller Movement (OTM), which has been appointed National TRLEI Coordinator.
OTM has extensive experience in Traveller employment and training initiatives and currently works with the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board on Ireland's only Traveller-specific Pre-Apprenticeship Programme.
In its new national role, OTM will support the Department in overseeing the expanded network, sharing best practice and helping to ensure a consistent approach to service delivery across the country.
The Traveller and Roma Local Employment Initiative was originally established in 2006 as the Special Initiative for Travellers, in response to disproportionately high levels of unemployment and underemployment among Travellers.
The latest expansion comes against a backdrop of continued significant employment challenges for both Traveller and Roma communities.
According to Census 2022 figures, the unemployment rate among Travellers aged between 15 and 65 was 61 per cent. While this represents a substantial reduction from the 80 per cent recorded in Census 2016, it remains considerably higher than the unemployment rate for the general population.
The unemployment rate for members of the Roma community was recorded at 17 per cent in Census 2022.
The Department said barriers to employment include discrimination during recruitment and in the workplace, as well as lower levels of education and literacy.
Minister Foley said: “We are more than doubling the number of local offices to support more people in the Traveller and Roma communities to develop skills, access opportunities and secure sustainable employment.
"This is part of the clear commitment under the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy II to have employment and training supports that are accessible and responsive to the needs of Traveller and Roma communities.
"I also welcome the appointment of Offaly Traveller Movement as National Coordinator. The organisation has significant experience in supporting Traveller employment and training initiatives and will play an important role in supporting the delivery of the expanded network.”