Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I second that 100%. It is brilliant to have the clerk who was here before so we know what we are doing and we are not all starting from scratch.

There are 84 recommendations from the last Traveller committee and they come under headings on education, health, including mental health, accommodation and employment. Not nearly enough of the recommendations were implemented but let us keep positive for the day that is in it. I note that some of the recommendations on employment and apprenticeships have been implemented on the ground.

We have our work cut out for us as a committee because we are held accountable by members of the Traveller community, rightly so. This committee gives us the opportunity to make sure there is implementation. I thank the previous committee members from the bottom of my heart for all of their work, including getting this committee up and running as a standing committee. As I said, it is very important that, when we are not here, the work continues and that needs to be the case for the Traveller community.

I propose that we go into private session for further discussion on the date of the next public meeting and so on.