A NEW HSE-funded health strategy supporting Roma families in Kerry and Cork – ‘Te Rodel Nevo Drom’ (We are looking for A New Way) – was launched on Tuesday morning in the Tralee International Resource Centre (TIRC).

Commissioned by TIRC in December 2022, with support from HSE Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, Dr Patricia Kennedy took on the role as lead researcher for the project to develop a strategy for Roma Families in Cork and Kerry, in collaboration with Roma peer researchers (‘experts by experience’) and with the guidance of a research advisory group.

There are 375 members of the Roma community in Kerry, the vast majority in Tralee (240). A consultation process, which involved talking with over 60 representatives from the Roma community, NGOs and statutory agencies, was completed between January and April 2023.

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Co-ordinator of Tralee International Resource Centre, Mary Carroll, welcomed the strategy: “We have been working with the Roma community for many years and this research is the voice of the Roma in Kerry and Cork themselves, which is the key to the way forward and effecting real change for this community – who have experienced significant levels of adversity.

“The findings cover the health and social needs of the Roma and the key is that they have been translated into actions – some of which can be progressed immediately, while others will require longer term planning and resources.

“Actions include the need to improve awareness of policy makers and providers, to celebrate Roma culture, increase access to translation and interpretation, develop a Roma Info-line and work specifically with Roma women. The complexity of the issues identified indicate there is a need for the establishment of a multi-agency response and the recruitment of Roma Peer workers to improve links between the Roma community and health and social services.”

Head of Primary Care for HSE Cork Kerry Community Healthcare Priscilla Lynch said: “I am delighted to see this Roma Community health strategy come together after input from so many committed researchers and stakeholders. I am particularly pleased to acknowledge the role of Tralee International Resource Centre in this area, as they support the Roma in Kerry.”

A summary of the strategy details is available in leaflet format, and in several languages for the Roma community to access.

It is available from TIRC on 066 712 7918 or by emailing reception@tirc.ie. The strategy document is available on www.hse.ie/romahealthstrategy .

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