The death has occurred of Ronnie Fay, Coordinator of the Traveller Health Unit in Community Healthcare Organisations 6, 7 and 9.
Minister of State with Responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Frank Feighan TD said; “I wish to offer my sincere condolences to the family of Ronnie Fay and her colleagues in Pavee Point at this very sad time.”
“Ronnie was a strong advocate for the health needs of Travellers and her contribution to the improvement of Traveller health cannot be overstated. She was pivotal in the development of the all-Ireland Traveller Health study, along with the Departments of Health in Ireland and Northern Ireland. She was a leading pioneer for Roma Health, and a strong advocate for the social determinants model.
“Ronnie was the coordinator of the Traveller Health Unit in Community Healthcare Organisations 6, 7 and 9. She helped to develop the Primary Health Care for Travellers Project (PHCTP). This was the first time Travellers were at the forefront in identifying the public health needs of members of their own communities.
“During Covid-19, Ronnie strongly supported the public health response for Travellers. She positively influenced and encouraged the Traveller community on adherence to public health advice and on the take-up of the Covid-19 vaccination programmes.”
