Mr. Brian Dillon:

For me, it began with Cromwell. I am a firm believer that there was a separation of settled people and Travellers during the time of the Cromwellian plantation and that Travellers saw themselves as the guardians of real Irish culture. A lot of this is documented. All the evidence shows that becoming nomadic, rather than enslaved, was a big driving force. With the penal laws, there was obviously a connection with religion, language and the music. The horses kept the community and nomadism alive. That is only my opinion. I am very much aware that if the question were asked more widely, 20 different opinions would be got, from different Travellers and everyone else. My view explains a lot about a fracture that is very deep in Irish society. It has to be linked to some period in history.

I do not know whether Ms Casey is still present to throw in her tuppence worth. I know there are many people writing theses on this subject. I absolutely agree that the issue as to where the discrimination originated has to be tackled and considered clearly.