Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

With regard to the point made on the role of the Department of Justice and Equality, it might be worth asking the Minister or an official to appear before the committee to explain the changes it is hoped to bring about in Europe, particularly Ireland.

It might be appropriate at that stage to ask about census figures or a specific programme to map where the Roma community lives, poverty levels and what is preventing their access to employment and proper housing. The committee can ascertain this information by letter to the Department of Justice and Equality or get an official to attend the committee as we have the EU Presidency.

On the habitual residence condition, HRC, I have had many dealings with people from the common travel area who are resident in this State but who have been affected by trying to prove their centre of interest is now in this State. There is much backwards and forwards with Traveller families between here and England. They often move for several weeks, sometimes for several years, between the two jurisdictions, whether it is in the North or England. How has the imposition of the habitual residence condition affected Travellers? I know it has affected Irish citizens from the Border region who have had to move between the two jurisdictions for work. Very often, they find the condition affects their entitlement to social welfare benefits and they are forced to make an appeal. What is Pavee Point's experience with the HRC?