Press release
Statement from Minister of State Frank Feighan on the death of Ms. Ronnie Fay
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
Minister of State with Responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Frank Feighan, 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."
The Minister continued:
"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. May she rest in peace."