Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We had a briefing on the hate crime legislation last week in the AV room. We spoke about the importance of having that legislation in place for members of our community. It will not stop racism and hatred. People will still have the right to be offensive, if that makes sense, despite the scaremongering out there about the legislation. We believe, as a community, along with the organisations, that it is something positive. Obviously, it is not going to stop racism and hatred, but it will make people think twice before they commit a hate crime towards a member of the Traveller community. It is a step in the right direction. Mr. Collins would be very professional in the area of hate crime, and has called for a review of the legislation in a few years. I am trying to get it across the line in here. I think it will be something positive for Ireland as a whole. I know that Fine Gael is supporting the legislation as it stands. We need cross-party support for it.

I do not know if anybody has any other comments. I want to ask one question. Last week, a witness said that the trailer loan scheme should be abolished and done away with.