Technical Report - Donegal Traveller's Project

All Ireland Traveller Health StudyRegional MatricesMapping matrices were produced and updated on a regular basis during the preparation for thecensus, and information on Traveller families and research requirements were broken down by studylocation within each THU region. This allowed the regional HSE and Traveller networks to reviewprogress in mapping to ensure total coverage. In this matrix there were 8,796 Traveller familiesenumerated in the Republic of Ireland, and 752 in Northern Ireland.Allocation of ComputersAs the mapping data was received, tables were prepared (Table 3) which broke down the number ofTraveller families by project, county, and region. This information was used to estimate the percentagepopulation in each area. The study team used this percentage to estimate the number of computers tobe 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 eacharea. It had been agreed that the Peer Researchers would work in pairs, and UCD had 180 computersavailable to the study, so 360 Traveller Peer Researchers would be required. Approximately 40 additionalTraveller Peer Researchers were recruited and trained in areas to support the coverage of the study andto fill gaps when they arose.Census Time PeriodIt was agreed that the census would take 6 weeks to allow adequate time for all Traveller families tobe interviewed and to allow time for follow up and repeat visits as necessary. Some projects workedlonger hours and completed the work in less than 6 weeks, but the planning was based on theminimum 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 familymembers 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 of10 interviews a week.With 180 pairs of interviewers, it was calculated that the scoped population could be surveyed in 6weeks.50