Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
376. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will take action to address the lack of members of the Traveller community employed within the public sector and semi-state sector, and particularly apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17020/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, my priority is to ensure that the Civil Service is a workplace where Traveller and Roma employees are welcomed, supported, and able to progress.
Under Better Public Services 2030, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive workforce. Strengthening pathways and supports for members of the Traveller and Roma communities is a key part of this work.
The Department of Justice have been delivering a Traveller and Roma Work Placement Programme in recent years which continues to expand. The pilot offered eight participants a one-year Civil Service placement, and the current programme provides structured roles for 20 additional candidates, each with a route to permanency upon successful completion. These placements support skills development and create meaningful pathways into long-term Civil Service careers.
We are also taking steps to support employees once they join. I was pleased to recently launch the Irish Traveller Civil Service Network on Traveller Ethnicity Day (1 March). This staff-led network offers peer support, visibility, and a safe space for Traveller employees across Departments. It will play an important role in shaping better workplace supports and informing future inclusion policy.
Apprenticeships offer another inclusive route into public service employment. Since the Public Service Apprenticeship Plan was launched in 2023, the number of apprentices in the public service has grown from 373 in 2022 to 566 in 2025. New apprenticeships will launch in 2026, widening access further. Ensuring these opportunities are promoted to Traveller and Roma communities remains a priority for my Department.
My Department also continues to progress commitments under the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy. This includes priorities to improve access to career opportunities, strengthening data and reporting, ensuring fair recruitment practices, and supporting more inclusive workplace cultures.
We will continue working closely with colleagues across the Civil Service and with Traveller and Roma representative organisations to expand opportunities, remove barriers to employment and progression, and ensure every Department is a welcoming and inclusive place to work.
