Traveller ethnicity legislation
Deputy Ó Broin urged speedy legislation to recognise Traveller ethnicity, with Deputy Boyd Barrett briefly supporting the call. The Tánaiste said there was a desire for cross-party consensus and that work was underway, with further discussion expected after Cabinet committee consideration.
I warmly welcome the comments of the Taoiseach yesterday on the move to recognise Traveller ethnicity. This is long overdue and has been welcomed by many organisations, including Traveller advocacy organisations and human rights and equality organisations. A report is to go to the social affairs committee but the House would like to know when we can expect the introduction of the legislation so we can vote and send a unanimous signal to the Traveller community that we recognise its ethnicity and value its contribution to our society.
Comment on this
It would be good to have consensus across the House on this issue. Minister of State Deputy David Stanton has been doing a lot of work on this and will shortly be making a presentation to the Cabinet sub-committee on social policy. Depending on the outcome of that meeting, I expect he will be addressing the issue further in the House.
Comment on this
I wish to add my voice to the comments pointing to the urgency and importance of that. I welcome the fact that-----