The evidence was given as part of the EOC inquiry into the progress made on gypsy traveller issues since its earlier report and recommendations in 2001.

The pounds-3m will be divided into blocks of pounds-1m a year for three years, and allocated to local authorities which apply for it.

Mark Kennedy, of the SGTA, said: "The funding, while welcome, is not going to deal with issues such as the lack of access to healthcare and poor education provision.

"Gypsy travellers still face the same situation they did four years ago, with many GPs refusing to register them and children being bullied at school.

"The community has to be grateful for the focus on issues affecting them, but the issue of prejudice hasn't gone away and money has to be invested in educating people."

Kennedy added: "It's not the widespread change we were looking for. The executive had a good opportunity four years ago to break the cycle of racism - but the EOC's recommendations weren't taken up."
(The Glasgow Herald)

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