Mr. Bernard Joyce:

I thank the Deputy for agreeing with us with regard to the chronic crisis in Traveller accommodation. The situation is dark, and it is a reality for children and women across this island. It has been embedded through no fault of the Travelling community. That goes without saying. As Deputy Ó Cuív said, it is about a commitment, drive and willingness to want to change and build provision of culturally appropriate accommodation as Travellers would like with regard to living their lives as Irish Travellers across this country.

If there is one ask, and there are many, we have to see reform in terms of a drive, a lead, oversight, monitoring and working. I cannot see how Travellers living in substandard, inhumane conditions on this island serves anybody's interests. I cannot see it. There are people without water, sanitation and electricity, who have children who want to go to school, have a hot shower, or be able to use a toilet. We know that the children themselves have stated how deeply they feel abandoned and neglected by the State. Every single indicator shows there is a systematic failure. We as Travellers are having time and again to state the obvious to every single person on this island, and that is hard. I find that quite difficult.

We want to see reform, oversight and a national Traveller accommodation authority. That is the ask. If this committee drove on that particular task, that would help in delivering change.