Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yes, Traveller healthcare units. I believe that creates opportunities, and there is now Traveller men's healthcare. Without NGOs creating these opportunities for members of the Traveller community I am sure the unemployment rate in our community would be much higher.

There are so many opportunities now. A few years ago, I remember talking about redeveloping Labre Park but also training Traveller men to drive the trucks and so on and seek employment through that. Everything is so doable. Traveller men in Tipperary have set up a horse owners association. That creates employment for Traveller men.

It is hard to believe that in 2021 we are still fighting for equal access to employment. While things have shifted they need to shift much more. The work the St. Stephen's Green Trust initiative is doing this year is putting Traveller unemployment on the map. I know that research took a lot of work and energy. I thank the witnesses for that and for presenting to us today.

I visited Bounce Back Recycling in Galway in 2015. That in itself was evidence that Traveller men want to work. My father used to do the markets. There are many different traits within our community. I referred to that last week. I have a brother and I could almost say he is a mechanic but he does not have the papers to prove it.

Ms Joanne Corcoran said something that struck me earlier. She referred to real and mindful employment for members of the Traveller community. That is very important in terms of the future, as is the Traveller identifier, in terms of supporting Travellers.

Deputy Ó Cuív said that if we do not give equal opportunities to Travellers now, our young children will not have that equality of opportunity in the future. Senator Ned O'Sullivan said that now is the time to act. I genuinely believe that is the case.

From me personally, it is about the action we can take. I am delighted and privileged to be Chairperson of this committee. I will make sure it is not just a talking shop. The members of this committee are not here because it is a talking shop. They want to see action taken. That gives me a great deal of hope for the future.

On behalf of the committee I thank Ms Mullen, Ms O'Neill, Ms Corcoran and Mr. Crowley for presenting to us today. They are more than welcome to make any final comments. It is great to have open discussions such as this one this afternoon.

If there is no other business, we will adjourn until Tuesday, 18 May 2021.