Accommodating Nomadism

Author(s): Siobhan Molloy
Commissioner(s): Traveller Movement NI
Document Type: Report
Year: 1998
Publisher: Traveller Movement NI
Place of Publication: Belfast
Subject Area(s): Ethnicity
Client Group(s): Travellers

Abbreviations: NI - Northern Ireland, ROI - Republic of Ireland

Background to the Research

  • In recent years there has been growing concern about the living conditions of the approximately 250 Traveller families who live in NI. The purpose of this report was to examine what has happened to create the crisis in Traveller accommodation.

Research Approach

  • The report examined this crisis by:
    • Examining the issue of Traveller nomadism and how this has shaped the law and policy making.
    • Tracing the development of legislation in Britain, NI and the ROI.
    • Looking at how this legislation has been implemented.
    • Evaluating the provision made by local councils and identifying important areas for change.
    • Drawing attention to the need for the involvement of Travellers themselves.

Main Findings

Demographic Profile

  • The number of Travellers in NI is estimated to be between 1,200 and 1,300, approximately 0.07% of the total population. They form part of a larger ethnic group of Irish Travellers, estimated to number around 22,000 in the ROI, with a further 15,000 in Britain and 10,000 Travellers in the USA.
  • The demographic profile of the Travelling community in N Ireland shows a number of significant differences with that of their settled counterparts. Studies reveal that the settled population has 28% of its members aged between 0-16 compared with 53% of Travellers. While 33% of settled people are aged over 45, this drops to 6% among Travellers. Travellers also have a higher birth rate but also a higher infant mortality rate and a significantly lower life expectancy.

General Conclusions of the Report

  • The absence of an accommodation policy which recognises and facilities Traveller nomadism and respects cultural differences has an adverse effect on all aspects of Travellers lives; most importantly health, education and economic opportunity.
  • While the Race Relations Order now recognises Travellers right not to be discriminated against in the provision of goods and services, there is a need for a more pro-active approach, which would pre-empt indirect discrimination.
  • The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) (NI) Order 1985 has not been an effective piece of legislation. The Order which identifies local councils as possible providers also gives them special powers of prosecution.
  • The limited number of sites which have been provided by local councils are unsatisfactory for a number of reasons including health and amenity standards, expense and cultural incompatibility.
  • There is a need for the involvement of Travellers in all aspects of accommodation provision, from site location and design to management and evaluation. Travellers and Traveller Support Groups need to be adequately resourced to participate in a partnership approach to accommodation provision.
 

Home | About ORB | Contact


Disclaimer: © ORB 2001Thursday, 29-Apr-2004 14:08