Technical Report - Donegal Traveller's Project

Health Survey FindingsTechnical Steering Group andRelated Governance StructureA study on this scale required major engagement with stakeholders together with support andoversight of the research team. The Department of Health and Children (DOHC) appointed a TechnicalSteering Group (TSG) to monitor the research project.Technical Steering Group (TSG)The TSG group comprised of Dr Philip Crowley, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Chair, DOHC; Ms HeatherRobinson Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (latterly Mr David Reilly (DHSSPS));Dr Evelyn Mahon, Trinity College Dublin; Ms Olive McGovern, Social Inclusion Unit, DOHC (until 2008,thereafter Mr Tim McCarthy); Ms Leonie O’Neill, National Planning Specialist, Social Inclusion Unit,Health Service Executive (HSE); Ms Ronnie Fay, Pavee Point and Ms Rosaleen McDonagh, Irish TravellerMovement.The TSG met with the UCD study team on a quarterly basis and reported to the DOHC having thefollowing terms of reference:• To monitor the research through each stage of development and ensure contractual commitmentswere met.• To provide practical advice during the various stages of research, including liaison with statutoryagencies, workforces and Traveller groups.• To report to the DOHC on progress of the research with respect to tracking milestones and progress.• To review the final draft of report to be submitted to the DOHC for approval.The TSG met on a total of 14 occasions, the last of which was held on 28th June, 2010 and received13 progress reports from the UCD-led study team. In addition there was significant one-to-oneengagement with members of the study team and group electronic communication. The TSG providedvaluable support, in accordance with its terms of reference, at all stages of evolution of the study upto, and including, the final drafting stages of the three Technical Reports and Summary of Findingsdocuments that constituted together the final output of the study. All the stakeholders represented onthe TSG provided practical access to their respective networks, many of whom contributed generouslyof their time on a voluntary basis. We highlight specifically these contributions at different points in thethree Technical Reports.29