Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Like my other colleagues, I thank Pavee Point for attending the committee. It was one of the most powerful, honest and raw submissions we have received. It has certainly laid a marker for every member.

After the tragic circumstances last October when ten members of the Traveller community, including two babies, lost their lives, has there been any immediate improvement in accommodation for the Traveller community? There was such an outrage across the country at the time. Did that outrage die off after a couple of weeks with the Traveller community left mourning the loved ones it lost?

As a new Deputy from Waterford, it is obvious the political will to deal with this issue is not there. I am not hinting at any one party but, across the board, the political will does not seem to be there. This will have to seriously change.

We all watch television programmes relating to the Traveller community, such as “Big Fat Gypsy Weddings”. After listening to Pavee Point, they certainly do not portray what Traveller life is like in Ireland or in England. There is a perception that many Travellers are very wealthy by focusing on the big weddings, the christenings and the outfits. This is not doing the Traveller community in Ireland any favours.