Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We as a committee are really focused on getting at least some of the 84 recommendations from the previous committee implemented. The most important issue for us is accommodation because it impacts your health, mental health, well-being and opportunities to go to school, etc. It is unfortunate that a year since the previous committee, nothing has been implemented around our suggestions on accommodation and the stand-alone Traveller agency for the Traveller community. What we have had has not worked for the Traveller community. It is now about moving forward and seeing how we can better the lives of individuals within the community.

One of our guests today spoke about Covid. I saw local authorities spending a lot of money on spray paint at halting sites for the "Stand two metres apart" message. They would only do it in halting sites; I thought it was hilarious. Even last night, the sign was still there about keeping two metres apart. Traveller culture or needs were not met in that case around overcrowding on sites. People were expected to move two or three miles away from their homes. Elderly people especially were affected. For any issues in the future with pandemics, we need to look at how, as a society in general, the Traveller community has been failed. I know nurses and front-line workers had to seek different kinds of accommodation, but the general population were not asked to move out of their homes because of overcrowding. It is really disheartening for us as a committee. I know the people around this table today want to see better opportunities and living conditions for Travellers, which we welcome. What was said today in the responses to questions to each guest will be implemented in our recommendations. They help us going forward and we use this committee as a tool for the Traveller community. As I said, we will hear from the National Traveller Money Advice and Budgeting Service, MABS, at the committee for its side of the story around the Traveller caravan loan scheme.

I have a question, and our guests may want to answer individually. What would they like to see? How can we get actions that better the lives of Travellers in run-down accommodation? I do not know who can answer this question but I will throw it out there. It is around the allocation of the last budget for the Traveller community. Do any of our guests know if that money has been spent and how it has been spent?