Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Ó Broin. I contend that the energy is there in this regard. I argued in my opening statement that the required actions are being taken. I was appointed to this role in July and I was given responsibility in November for the area of Traveller accommodation.

Subsequent to my appointment, I established a programme board to drive the reforms set out in the 32 recommendations. I have set the board in train reflecting the views of the Traveller community at every step of the way and I have its support in that regard. I will not dictate to the board which recommendation should be done first, second or third. It is up to it to recommend to me the specific changes it requires and its priorities. This is done directly with Traveller groups in response to their demands.

The budget has been fully used in my first year and I expect the same to happen this year. I have been working morning, noon and night trying to ensure local authorities get the message loud and clear that we are absolutely committed to delivering on this budget. We want it all spent. Any objective individual looking in or questioning my energy and work in this brief can see we have increased by 50% the amount of funding available for the maintenance of bays and areas. We have increased by up to 75% the funding of caretakers for sites and we have also set up the programme board. We will have data on which the Deputy will be able to judge my performance when we have the Traveller identifier in place through the social housing application forms. We will be able to assess the need and specific type of Traveller accommodation required in the State.