Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 November 2016
113. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when formal State recognition will be provided to the Traveller community as an ethnic group, in line with a previous statement by the Attorney General in July 2015 that no impediment exists in respect of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35798/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware from my response to previous questions on this issue, there is a comprehensive consultation process underway (led by my Department) to develop a new National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy to improve the situation for the Traveller and Roma communities in Ireland. Phase 1 (identification of key themes for the new Strategy) and Phase 2 (identification and agreement of high level objectives under each agreed theme) of that consultation process have been completed. The final phase, Phase 3 (identification of detailed actions to achieve each agreed objective, with associated time-scales, key performance indicators, institutional responsibilities and monitoring arrangements) is currently underway. This process will provide a new set of specific, cross-Departmental actions that need to be taken to bring about a real improvement in quality of life for Travellers and Roma. I am due to meet with the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy Steering Group in the coming weeks with a view to finalising the new National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy shortly.
The issue of recognition of Travellers as an ethnic group is being considered in the context of the development of the Inclusion Strategy. As the Government's legal adviser, the Attorney General does not make statements on policy issues and has not done so in relation to this matter.
I have had a long standing interest in this area, most notably through my chairing of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality when it produced its report on the Recognition of Traveller Ethnicity (April 2014). When I spoke earlier this year at the Traveller Pride awards, I stressed that we need to broaden the discussion on this issue. The debate needs to be taken forward in an inclusive way. My officials and I are currently working to advance this issue with national Traveller organisations in this regard.
