David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have a couple of questions for my benefit. I am learning a lot. We have debated this issue before. I recognise the presence in the Public Gallery of some witnesses who were present on the previous day. I compliment Deputy Mac Lochlainn on the work he is doing in this area. We spoke on the last day about Traveller history, education, music and culture. We spoke about a potential visit to educate us on the tradition, culture and richness that exists. Deputy Naughten is going to work on this for us at some stage in the near future.

Ms Lucey's document refers to objective criteria and self-identification. It also refers to shared history, culture, way of life, the practice of nomadism, etc. I apologise if I am being a little crude but I seek clarification. Are we talking about what is almost a box-ticking exercise? Many Traveller families are not travelling anymore and do not practice nomadism. If they do not, does that mean they are not part of an ethnic group, for instance? Have we a set of criteria that must be fulfilled before somebody is recognised as part of an ethnic group? Could one be half in and half out? I apologise if I am being extremely crude. How does one know whether one is part of an ethnic group, including the one in question? Perhaps Ms Lucey could tease that out for us.