4 Beal 2021, 08:30
The Joint Committee on Key issues affecting the Traveller Community will meet today to discuss the findings of the report: Travellers in the mainstream Labour Market: Situation, Experience and Identity.
Values Lab researchers Rachel Mullen and Niall Crowley and St Stephen’s Green Trust (SSGT) Executive Director Orla O’Neill will appear before the Committee to discuss the findings of the report.
Martin Ward, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bounce Back Recycling (BBR) will also appear before the Committee to discuss his company’s first- hand experience of providing employment opportunities and job training for people with high barriers to employment.
The meeting will take place virtually from Leinster House, Committee Room 4 at 12.30pm.
Cathaoirleach of the Committee Senator Eileen Flynn said: “Value Labs prepared this report for St Stephen’s Green Trust. The Committee is very interested in this research as this report and its’ recommendations are based on the findings of detailed interviews with Travellers working in a range of employment settings.
“Travellers in employment are important role models and have successfully navigated a pathway into mainstream employment. The researchers also interviewed employers, trade unions and policy makers for the report.
“We know that the unemployment rate is six times higher within the Traveller Community than the general population. The Committee is delighted to welcome, Martin Ward, CEO of Bounce Back Recycling and all of our witnesses today to get their opinions on the strategies and actions needed to ensure the aspirations of Travellers to get employment can be achieved.”
Watch the meeting live.