All Ireland Traveller Health Study Our Geels - Department of Health ...

All Ireland Traveller Health Study
Regional Matrices
Mapping matrices were produced and updated on a regular basis during the preparation for the
census, and information on Traveller families and research requirements were broken down by study
location within each THU region. This allowed the regional HSE and Traveller networks to review
progress in mapping to ensure total coverage. In this matrix there were 8,796 Traveller families
enumerated in the Republic of Ireland, and 752 in Northern Ireland.
Allocation of Computers
As the mapping data was received, tables were prepared (Table 3) which broke down the number of
Traveller families by project, county, and region. This information was used to estimate the percentage
population in each area. The study team used this percentage to estimate the number of computers to
be allocated to each area and the number of Traveller Peer Researchers required.
Also noted were the number of teams of Peer Researchers and coordinators who were available in each
area. It had been agreed that the Peer Researchers would work in pairs, and UCD had 180 computers
available to the study, so 360 Traveller Peer Researchers would be required. Approximately 40 additional
Traveller Peer Researchers were recruited and trained in areas to support the coverage of the study and
to fill gaps when they arose.
Census Time Period
It was agreed that the census would take 6 weeks to allow adequate time for all Traveller families to
be interviewed and to allow time for follow up and repeat visits as necessary. Some projects worked
longer hours and completed the work in less than 6 weeks, but the planning was based on the
minimum hours worked by Peer Researchers. This 6 week time period was estimated from:
• The interview process was estimated to take on average 35 minutes depending on the family
members selected.
• An extra 40 minutes was allowed per interview to allow for travel time.
• By these estimates Traveller Peer Researchers who worked 12 hours a week could do an average of
10 interviews a week.
With 180 pairs of interviewers, it was calculated that the scoped population could be surveyed in 6
weeks.
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