Traveller ethnicity and Airbnb
The Leader said work on Traveller ethnicity recognition was progressing and that the Minister of State would come to the House; he also said Airbnb required a national and local response.
That is because of JobPath and every other scheme.
Comment on this
Senator Colette Kelleher raised the important issue of Traveller ethnicity. I spoke to the Minister of State, Deputy David Stanton, about it last week. He is working on it and willing to come to the House to discuss it. The necessary piece of work is in progress and evolving. I will be happy to bring the Minister of State to the House when it reaches a certain point.
Senator Kevin Humphreys raised the question of Airbnb, with which we have to come to terms as a society at national and local authority level. He is right when he suggests Airbnb is taking much-needed beds and properties out of the system. I am aware that local authorities in many parts of the world, including London and Paris, have issues with Airbnb in respect of planning, the charging of hotel rates and costs. The issue of taxation is a general point also. I will be happy to invite the relevant Minister to come to the House to discuss the matter.
Senator Kevin Humphreys also spoke about DART underground, while Senator Paul Gavan spoke about Bus Éireann, both of which concern the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross. Again, at the risk of creating controversy, I suggest that, rather than focusing on policy, Members are becoming fixated on what the Minister does and does not do.