Mr. David Joyce:

I thank the Chair for the question. We have touched on how we create the type of atmosphere in workplaces that would allow Travellers, and indeed anyone else, to be themselves at work. The whole concept of the integrated workplace, which I outlined in my opening statement, is one where people's differences are accommodated and that it is upfront. It is about workplaces committing to ensuring everyone who comes to work can do so in an atmosphere that is free from discrimination. This is very important.

I am very glad the Chair mentioned the concept of meaningful employment. We often speak about decent work. We are on the same page on this. This goes back to something Deputy Bríd Smith and Senator Joe O'Reilly mentioned about the opportunities perhaps that might be created in the new green economy, be it through a national retrofit programme or whatever, to try to use these programmes to achieve social objectives such as the employment of groups which have traditionally been excluded from the labour market.

The sustainable development goals are deliberately very broad. They include environmental goals because clearly there are no jobs on a dead planet but they also cover social and economic issues. Goal 8 of the sustainable development goals refers to ensuring decent work for all by 2030 and includes a target of achieving full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. We are in the middle of 2021 and we have less than a decade to go to achieve this goal. This is something that governments voluntarily agreed to try to do. We have heard many practical suggestions today as to how it can be achieved for the Traveller community and we wish the committee the best of luck with this work.