Traveller Community
Dail Éireann — 2026-03-05
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Robert Troy (FF), Longford-Westmeath

The Minister for Children, Equality and Disability would like me, on her behalf, to thank the Deputy for raising this important issue and offering her, through me, an opportunity to respond. She sends her genuine apologies that she cannot be here to take this debate.
On 17 February, the board of Southside Traveller Action Group informed its public funders, including the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, that following an emergency meeting of the board and members, a resolution had been passed to place the company into voluntary liquidation on the grounds of insolvency. This was a deeply regrettable development as for more than 40 years, STAG played an important role in supporting members of the Traveller community and advocating for equality, inclusion and improved outcomes in areas such as accommodation support, education, training, employment, Traveller healthcare and youth services for local Traveller families. The main public funding organisations are the Health Service Executive, the Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board and the Department of Social Protection, with an application also coming from the Department of Children, Equality and Disability to support and enable front-line service delivery. The Department of Children, Equality and Disability has contributed to State funding and supports to assist the organisation in delivering vital services for many years. However, over time, governance and financial challenges have been the focus of concern and attention of all State funders. Notwithstanding these concerns, and to ensure the organisation could continue to provide services, all funders continued to make funding available while allowing the identified issues to be addressed. All funders have a responsibility to ensure that public funds are used appropriately, transparently and in line with good governance standards. The effective stewardship of public resources is essentially not only for accountability, but also to maintain public trust, and safeguard the continuity of services for vulnerable communities. It was for that reason that public funders of STAG commissioned an independent finance and governance review of the organisation, which commenced in mid-October 2025. The review had not been completed at the time of the board's announcement.
The Minister wishes to acknowledged the work of everyone involved with STAG over many years to represent and advocate for the local Traveller community in south County Dublin. Its contribution has made a real impact in the lives of many individuals and families who are among those in most need within society. At this point, each of the State funders will assess the implications of the board's decision and, in so doing, will be conscious of the need to ensure services are delivered for the community. In this regard, it is vital that services and advocacy support remain accessible, and the needs of Traveller communities continue to be prioritised and met.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-03-05/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:44+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-03-05