Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am in the convention centre so I hope everybody can hear me okay. I am in one of these great boxes with no light. I thank Ms Fay, Ms Kavanagh and Mr. Reilly from the Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre for coming to speak to us. I got to hear last week's very powerful session with the Galway Traveller Movement, Ms Kathleen Sweeney and Dr. Michael Ryan. Dr. Ryan is a wonderful speaker and he had some great quotes. He spoke about being an incurable optimist, which I thought was a wonderful way to describe a man who has been handling one of the most pressurised jobs in the world this year and trying to look at vulnerable populations. He spoke about how the UN is a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. He spoke about change and about how, if we want to change things, we have to change how we think. I have spoken about unconscious bias previously. This is something we all have, whether we like it. It is a result of our environment, education, society and many other factors. With regard to unconscious bias, it is important that we all actively work to increase our awareness of our own actions. Dr. Ryan spoke well in saying that it is not just a matter for the State, the Government or local authorities, but for all of us in society working together. It is very important that all parts of society work together.

I will go through a few points on which I have taken notes and then ask a few questions, if we have time. I apologise. The division bells have started going off the very minute I get to speak. I hope everyone can hear me okay.