A new report has been published detailing 32 recommendations to be implemented into Traveller Accommodation across Ireland.

The Report of the Expert Group set out to review current Traveller Accommodation, which has come under heavy criticism.

Sinn Féin representative Eoin Ó Broin has welcomed the report and urged the government to take appropriate action.

Deputy Ó Broin said: "It is clear from the levels of underspend by local authorities on Traveller Specific Accommodation in recent years that the current delivery process is not working.

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"In 2017, there was a 45% percent underspend on Traveller accommodation by local authorities; in 2018, it was 48% and, in the first half of 2019, only 18.5% of the funding available has been drawn down.

"The comprehensive review of the Traveller Accommodation Act contained in the report today confirms what the 2017 report indicated, that the Traveller Accommodation Programmes currently in place are not fit for purpose.

"The report of the expert group published today makes 32 short- and long-term recommendations which aim to remove the barriers to the delivery of culturally appropriate accommodation for Travellers.

"The recommendations are significant and deal with issues such as delivery, resourcing, planning, governance and research.

"The Government must ensure that the Expert Groups recommendations are fully implemented."

Mr Ó Broin has also written to the Oireachtas Housing Committee calling for a meeting to hear from the expert Group and Minister of State Damien English in September.

(CM/JG)