Ms Roslyn Molloy:

I have a couple of points that are relevant to the Chair's comments. The issue of transient halting sites was in the 1998 housing legislation but has not been taken up or progressed. In its submission to the committee, the Housing Agency mentioned looking at good practice and design guidelines for good quality Traveller-specific accommodation, including halting sites. That is something that could help and improve accommodation options for Travellers and support approved housing bodies and local authorities that are working to develop more of this. That is something we see as potentially helping in that area. The Chair mentioned the caravan loan scheme. A pilot scheme is being rolled out in four local authority areas. The caravan loan scheme was reviewed by the Housing Agency a few years ago. We made recommendations on the value of having such a scheme and its benefit to the Traveller community.