Mr. Bernard Joyce:

I thank Deputy Higgins, and her questions are very clear. Regarding the Traveller community, there are numerous issues with the whole process. However, if we were to look at this issue just in respect of what is needed, the commission should examine setting up a group to look specifically at Travellers and other minorities that have been so disenfranchised from the political process. The commission should explore ways of making it more accessible and inclusive by giving confidence to those communities. That would be one positive step in the right direction. Another aspect is the need for a more holistic approach. Last week saw the launch of the draft anti-racism plan and associated consultation process. As has been highlighted so often, however, anti-Traveller rhetoric has been to the forefront.

Guidelines need to be in place to ensure that type of rhetoric is not acceptable. Political leaders cannot simply preach about this. They need to show leadership for others to see that is not the type of society we want to live in or endorse. That leadership is needed not only at national level but in Europe and at a global level to show we expect more from one another and we expect that leadership from our political leaders in terms of the process.

Regarding the challenge, there needs to be an initiative or targeted intervention to support people in registering and voting. Otherwise, it will not happen. A targeted intervention approach is needed to support the work. We have seen good models of that by civil society groups, specifically by some of the Traveller groups across the country.