The former Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, told the Traveller community more than 20 months ago that Traveller ethnicity would be recognised within six months. This, understandably, raised expectations which were not delivered on. I have raised this issue consistently with the Taoiseach and have pointed out that there is no legislative or constitutional bar to the Government recognising Traveller ethnicity immediately. All it requires is the Taoiseach or some nominated Minister to come into the House and make such a declaration.

I know that the Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, Deputy David Stanton, has been working on this very important issue. I support him, have met him and wish him well. My party will do anything it can to help. Recently Government sources were quoted as saying that the Taoiseach was going to recognise Traveller ethnicity. Pavee Point described this possibility as a "major step forward for Travellers, cultural diversity and equality". The Taoiseach can make this possibility a reality. When will he move to recognise Traveller ethnicity?

I discussed this with the Minister of State, Deputy David Stanton, at a recent meeting of the Cabinet sub-committee dealing with social affairs. He is doing quite an amount of work on the issue. I have asked him to invite the four Traveller representative non-governmental organisations, NGOs, to speak to the Oireachtas committee in January. There are a few particular issues that need to be addressed. I would expect, if we can reach agreement on this, that there would be all-party support for it. These are the last two pieces of work that the Minister of State is undertaking. I will report to the House again at the end of January on the matter.