Mr. Colm O'Gorman:

I appreciate that. It speaks to the reasons why we have a great deal more work to do in order to challenge that level of prejudice. However, we must also name it as such. If we ever decide that we can discuss an entire group or class of people within society as some kind of homogenous entity which, therefore, can be held responsible for everything within that group or class, then perhaps that is where we need to start. That is all I will say about the matter.

A couple of comments were made about the fact that, post-accession, we must pay particular attention to what is happening within new member states. When we refer to discrimination, we are not necessarily talking about new member states but just EU states. In the context of the Roma issue, we have been pushing for infringement proceedings against both Italy and France with regard to forced evictions and other grave violations against Roma people. There are very particular issues which arise in the context of Hungary, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and some of the newer member states. However, this problem is not one which comes down to old versus new member states; it is, rather, one which exists at EU level. In the context of Traveller integration, I would encourage the committee to engage as much as possible with the development of the national Roma strategy and its implementation. Pavee Point, with which we engage directly, does a great deal of work on Roma rights in Ireland. If the committee has a particular interest in this matter, I encourage it to bring representatives from Pavee Point before it in order to hear their views on the development and implementation of the national traveller and Roma strategy.

Deputy Eric Byrne answered many of his own questions, particularly when he referred to the reasons why members of certain groups - in this case, Traveller children - find it difficult to remain in education. It is not just about schools being willing, able or positive with regard to encouraging Traveller participation. Communities and society need to facilitate this and make it possible. If conditions in terms of accommodation are so poor and if the socioeconomic experience of families and marginalised groups is so significant, then undoubtedly we are going to see less participation in formal education.

The Deputy inquired as to how we will pick nine human rights defenders. The answer is that this will be done with very great difficulty. Ms McGowan will comment further on that matter. In any of the work we do, we are often involved with cases in respect of which we believe there is evidence of even greater issues. This means that if we can resolve issues relating to a particular case, we will also be dealing with more systemic difficulties. That is one of the ways in which we prioritise campaigns, not to mention individual cases. The term "human rights defenders" has a basis in international law. It is a well-identified concept which the international community has established. We select cases through a careful analysis of the degree of influence any particular group can bring to bear in respect of a certain case and what will be the likely impact - both on and beyond said case - of highlighting it.