The All Ireland Traveller health study was undertaken by University College Dublin and the Department of Health to monitor the health and health care needs of Travellers accross Ireland.

 

One major aspect of the study was the census, which commenced  on the 14th October 2008. The Primary health care trainees from Blanchardstown were involved in collecting data and information from families in this area for the census. The particpation rate in this study was 80% which is due to the involvement of Travellers themselves in this study .The results of the study were launched by Minister for Health Mary Harney on the  2nd September 2010.

 

Key Findings

Traveller population 40,129

Average family size in the ROI 4

 

Life Expectancy

In 2008 the gap in life expectancy between Traveller women and settled women is 11years

in 2008 the gap in life expectancy between Traveller men and settled men is 15 years

 

Mortality

Traveller men have four times the mortality rate of the general population

Traveller women have three times the mortality rate of the general population

Suicide is 6 times the rate of general population and accounts for approx 11% of all Traveller deaths.

Infant mortality rate for Travellers is 3.5 times the rate of the general population.

 

To read more of the findings of the recent All Ireland Traveller Health Study click here  http://www.dohc.ie/publications/traveller_health_study.html