Ms Emily Logan:

The notion of self-determination has been misunderstood. Not only has there been a protracted denial of Traveller ethnicity but somehow the idea that consensus between the community itself must be reached before Traveller ethnicity can be recognised misunderstands the principle of self-determination. It is up to individuals to self-identify as a member of an ethnic group.

As someone working in human rights for many years, I know there has been hostility towards economic, social and cultural rights in Ireland. Ireland is not unique in that regard. We are talking about people who have particular needs and require additional assistance from the State. There are many other groups who require additional assistance from the State. The State already devotes considerable resources to supporting Travellers. Taking the example of housing, many local authorities did not draw down moneys for Traveller accommodation. That is where the deeper and more uncomfortable questions begin.

After the Carrickmines tragedy, we saw the political discomfort with the public response to providing accommodation for the bereaved families. We cannot pretend or hide the fact it creates discomfort. As a non-Traveller, I do many interviews in which I am not asked any questions about members of my community. Traveller leaders are constantly asked about feuding or questions which are discriminatory or prejudiced in nature. I do not expect that nor am I asked those kinds of questions. Our starting position should not be one of prejudice. The lens through which we should look at this is one of respect. Of course members and leaders of the Traveller community are willing to talk about the uncomfortable, as well as the more positive, matters.

We, as a community, must start from a position of respect in order to engage in that discourse.