Norma Foley has announced the opening of applications for organisations seeking to deliver the expanded Traveller and Roma Local Employment Initiative, a national programme aimed at reducing long-standing unemployment among Traveller and Roma communities in Ireland.
The initiative, originally established in 2006 as the Special Initiative for Travellers, was created to address high levels of unemployment and underemployment. It currently operates through six local offices and supports approximately 300 people annually through employment guidance, training, and community-based outreach.
Under the expansion aligned with the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy II 2024–2028, the programme will now formally include Roma communities alongside Travellers, reflecting a broader commitment to improving access to employment supports for marginalised groups.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality confirmed that a new national coordinator will be appointed to oversee the rollout of the initiative across additional locations nationwide. The selection of new service areas will be guided by demographic data and local community needs.
Minister Foley said the expanded initiative builds on nearly two decades of locally delivered support and represents a stronger commitment to ensuring employment and training services are accessible to Traveller and Roma communities. She highlighted the importance of addressing structural barriers such as discrimination in hiring, lower levels of educational attainment, and limited access to employment networks.
Recent Census data shows that unemployment among Travellers aged 15 to 65 stood at 61% in 2022, down from 80% in 2016. Among Roma communities, unemployment was recorded at 17% in 2022, marking the first time this data has been officially captured. Despite improvements, both figures remain significantly higher than the national average, underscoring ongoing inequalities in the labour market.
The Department is inviting applications from organisations experienced in employment services, training, community development, and advocacy work. In parallel, applications are also open for the role of national coordinator, who will be responsible for supporting the programme’s expansion and ensuring effective delivery across regions.
The initiative forms part of Ireland’s wider strategy to promote inclusion and improve socio-economic outcomes for Traveller and Roma communities through targeted, locally based employment support systems.
