Mr. Bernard Joyce:

I thank the Cathaoirleach. It is fitting that I opened and will now close the meeting. As we have all contributed, we have also listened to the politicians, including Ministers, from across all political parties. It is more important for politicians than our community to note that it is only in recent times that Travellers have had the right to vote. It is also important to note that one of the first candidates to run for election was Nan Joyce. She could not rely on her community to vote because they were not registered when they had no fixed abode. We have come far, as is evidenced by today's meeting, but that journey has been a long time coming. I know we could have filled this Chamber three times over. There are people in our community who could do a far better job in terms of leadership at national and local level. We have experience of injustice and that resonates with how other communities are mistreated.

We should not have to vote in order to vindicate our rights. Nobody should expect that because we do not have that confidence our rights should be lesser. That is important. I heard what the politicians indicated in respect of registration to vote. I do vote and have voted, and it is important for us to do so. There are others in our community, however, who may not and have not voted, and that should not mean we do not have access to education, running water, sanitation and electricity. Our participation should not be lesser.

On legislation, equality and human rights, it is important that the political parties across the Government ensure that equality in human rights. The hate speech legislation, in which we have great confidence, should not be lesser and should not be changed. It should, in fact, be to the forefront. That is important, as was said earlier. I thank the Cathaoirleach for her contribution and for her leadership.