Deadline: 17-Jun-2026
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality is inviting applications for the Traveller and Roma Local Employment Initiative (TRLEI) Pilot Scheme to expand employment and training support services for Traveller and Roma communities in Ireland.
The programme funds local employment offices, outreach services, and a national TRLEI Coordinator role to improve access to training, education, and sustainable employment opportunities, with grants ranging from €20,000 to €35,000 over a four-month period.
Programme Overview
The TRLEI Pilot Scheme is a targeted employment inclusion initiative designed to reduce unemployment and underemployment among Traveller and Roma communities in Ireland.
It builds on the earlier Special Initiative for Travellers (established in 2006) and has been expanded under the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy II Action Plan 2024–2026 to include Roma communities.
The programme supports:
- Local employment and training services
- Outreach and advocacy support
- Referral pathways into education and employment
- Community-based employment assistance
- Coordination across local service providers
- Policy development and best practice sharing
Main Objectives
The TRLEI Pilot Scheme aims to:
- Reduce unemployment in Traveller and Roma communities
- Strengthen access to education, training, and employment
- Support entrepreneurship and self-employment pathways
- Improve coordination between local employment services
- Enhance culturally appropriate service delivery
- Build stronger community engagement and trust
- Support policy development for long-term inclusion
Funding Structure
Local TRLEI Offices
- Minimum grant: €20,000
- Maximum grant: €30,000
- Duration: 4 months
- Purpose: Establish or expand local employment support offices
TRLEI Coordinator Role
- Funding range: €25,000–€35,000
- Duration: 4 months
- Purpose: National coordination, oversight, and system alignment
What the Programme Supports
Funding can be used for:
- One-to-one employment support services
- Outreach and community engagement activities
- Training and education referrals
- Skills development and mentoring
- Advocacy and system navigation support
- Coordination of local TRLEI offices
- Data sharing and best practice development
Expansion Context
The pilot scheme will expand the existing network of six TRLEI local offices by funding up to eight additional offices.
These new offices will focus on:
- Employment guidance and career support
- Linking individuals to training programmes
- Supporting Traveller economic participation
- Strengthening Roma inclusion in employment systems
The pilot will inform the design of a national TRLEI funding model from 2028 onwards.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Organisations registered with the Companies Registration Office (Ireland)
- Organisations registered with the Charities Regulator (Ireland)
- Irish statutory bodies focused on employment, education, or training
Applicant Requirements
Applicants must:
- Have operated in Ireland for at least 12 months
- Hold a valid Tax Clearance Certificate
- Have appropriate insurance coverage
- Deliver services in employment, training, or community development
- Demonstrate culturally appropriate services for Traveller and Roma communities
Ineligible Applicants
- Existing TRLEI-funded local offices (current recipients under the scheme)
Eligible Experience Areas
Applicants should have experience in:
- Recruitment and employment support
- Training and skills development
- Community outreach and advocacy
- Traveller and Roma community services
- Peer support and inclusion programmes
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Organisations must ensure they:
- Meet registration and legal requirements
- Have relevant community service experience
- Are not already funded under TRLEI
Step 2: Prepare Proposal
Applications should outline:
- Proposed local office or coordination structure
- Employment and training support services
- Community engagement strategy
- Cultural inclusion and accessibility approach
- Expected outcomes for Traveller and Roma communities
Step 3: Demonstrate Capacity
Applicants should include:
- Organisational track record
- Staffing and delivery plan
- Partnership approach with local services
- Financial and operational planning
Step 4: Submit Application
Applications must be submitted through the official TRLEI funding process managed by the Traveller and Roma Policy Unit.
Why This Programme Matters
The TRLEI Pilot Scheme helps:
- Address long-standing employment inequalities
- Improve access to training and education
- Strengthen inclusion of Traveller and Roma communities
- Build trust between communities and public services
- Support sustainable local employment systems
It also contributes to national equality and inclusion goals in Ireland.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Weak Community Engagement
Projects must clearly demonstrate meaningful Traveller and Roma participation.
Lack of Cultural Competency
Applicants must show culturally appropriate service delivery models.
Insufficient Operational Capacity
Organisations must demonstrate readiness to deliver employment services effectively.
Missing Compliance Documents
Tax clearance, registration, and insurance documents are essential.
FAQ
What is the TRLEI Pilot Scheme?
It is an Irish government funding programme supporting local employment services for Traveller and Roma communities.
Who runs the programme?
It is administered by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality through its Traveller and Roma Policy Unit.
What is the funding amount?
Local offices receive €20,000–€30,000, and the Coordinator role is funded at €25,000–€35,000.
Who can apply?
Registered Irish organisations, charities, and statutory bodies working in employment, training, or community development.
Can existing TRLEI offices apply?
No. Existing TRLEI-funded local offices are not eligible for this pilot round.
What communities does it support?
The programme supports Traveller and Roma communities in Ireland.
Conclusion
The TRLEI Pilot Scheme 2027 is a targeted employment inclusion initiative designed to strengthen local support systems for Traveller and Roma communities in Ireland. By funding new local offices and a national coordinator role, the programme aims to improve access to employment, training, and long-term economic inclusion through community-based and culturally responsive services.
For more information, visit gov.ie.