Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 October 2022
156. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will consider issuing a State apology to members of the Travelling community regarding the systematic abuse, racism and discrimination that they have endured for decades under successive governments, particularly in the form of legislation which sought to prevent Travellers from travelling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52212/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government – Our Shared Future has a number of commitments that are relevant to the Traveller Community. One that comes under my Department’s responsibility is to carry out a review of the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 (NTRIS) and to ensure that the successor strategy has a stronger outcomes focused approach. Other commitments are made in the areas of education, accommodation, health, and employment and enterprise; while each of these is primarily relevant to the Minister with line responsibility in the policy area concerned, all will, of course, be addressed in the successor strategy to NTRIS.
The Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that my main focus at present must be the review of NTRIS. To that end, the NTRIS Steering Group, which I chair and which comprises representatives of national Traveller organisations as well as other Government Departments and State Agencies, is closely involved in the review of the present Strategy and the consultation process leading to the development of the new Strategy. I am confident that with the continuing positive engagement of all those on the Steering Group, including those representing the Traveller community, further measures can be taken to achieve a real improvement in the lives of the Traveller and Roma Communities in Ireland.
Finally, the Deputy will be aware of the major step forward that was taken on 1 March 2017 when the then Taoiseach Enda Kenny announced in the Dáil Ireland’s recognition of Travellers as a distinct ethnic group in Irish society. This symbolic gesture followed a process of dialogue with the national level Traveller organisations during 2015 that culminated in the presentation of an agreed position paper on their behalf. The official recognition of the distinct heritage, culture and identity of Travellers and their special place in Irish society has marked an important contribution to Traveller pride, to Traveller self-esteem, and to overcoming the legacy of marginalisation and discrimination that the community has experienced.
I will shortly bring to Government the National Action Plan Against Racism prepared by the independent Anti-Racism Committee. That Plan will provide a strategic framework to address racism, including against members of the Traveller community.
