"Culture, Heritage and Identity" is a key theme under the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy II 2024 - 2028 (NTRIS II), which represents a whole of Government approach to bring about meaningful change and progress for the Traveller and Roma communities in Ireland.
While the Department has responsibility for central coordination and monitoring of NTRIS II, it is important to note that each relevant Department retains responsibility for the implementation and funding of its respective commitments, including those relating to Traveller and Roma culture, heritage and identity.
The Deputy will be aware that the co-ordination of NTRIS transferred to the Department from the then Department of Justice and Equality in October 2020. Accordingly, expenditure incurred prior to October 2020 in respect of culture and heritage initiatives rests with that Department and other relevant bodies.
Since 2021, the Department has allocated some €1.7 million to support Traveller and Roma culture and heritage. This includes funding for Traveller Pride Week and International Roma Day on an annual basis, Traveller-led publishing initiatives, Traveller’s Voice Magazine, and Musicantia, a Roma cultural project promoting music and participation among young people.
In addition, funding provided under NTRIS II continues to support community-based and culturally focused projects, including those that strengthen cultural identity and enhance visibility of Traveller and Roma heritage.
Given the cross-Government nature of supports, expenditures relating to Traveller and Roma culture and heritage are also incurred by other Departments and agencies under their aegis.
