Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will have to wrap this up as we have another session on this important topic following. I welcome Ms Jacinta Brack to the Visitors Gallery, for the want of a better description, who was one of our presenters on the last occasion.

What is this about? Deputy Jim O'Callaghan made the point this is about building on, not trying to replace or repeat. Despite the excellent work and the clearly declared intent of the former justice committee some two years ago and three and a half years from the last time Pavee Point made a presentation before the justice committee, we share the frustration that we are not there yet. Like the little ad on the television, "Are we there yet?" I hope we will be. It is our intent to reinject impetus into the case. That is why we have made this a priority in the short opportunity that 2016 offers.

Pavee Point and Ms Ronnie Fay disputed the assertion of voices from previous Administrations that recognising Travellers as a distinct ethnic group would not have the beneficial implications for Traveller status in Irish society. We also recognise that this is a totally false premise. Mr. Martin Collins, in his own phraseology, said it would be a powerful and symbolic signal on which to build. We will take that.

I have not heard the phrase "failed settled person" before. That is an interesting concept that may be in the minds of some. I hope we can properly address it. Mr. Thomas McCann's emphasis on policy, practice and attitudes, especially the impact on children, was well noted by the committee today. I thank him for that.

I have one question remaining for Ms Crickley. I am very interested in the process around the committee for the elimination of racial discrimination. My understanding is that the Government is obliged to provide a written submission in 2017. Can Ms Crickley advise by what point in 2017 that must be provided? I understand also that the written submission is to be followed by an oral follow-through. Will that take place in 2018? As argued so well and succinctly by Ms Crickley and other earlier witnesses the clock is ticking and it is time that those who have within their gift to deliver this declaration come forward and so, and with the heart that it deserves, on the floor of the Dáil.