Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

this Dr. McDonagh is 100% right. There is no hierarchy of who endures the most. It is unfortunate that we have seen that lately, in that kind of way. For me, as a professional community development worker, that is dividing to conquer.

Just before we finish, on behalf of the committee I wish to recognise James Stokes, a young Traveller man who played an absolute blinder in his campaign in Kildare. It was great. For us at the committee, putting all political parties aside, it is important that Travellers and other people from minority groups have the opportunity for meaningful participation in elections. It was brilliant to see James Stokes do so well. He lost a battle; he did not lose the war. He is 18 years of age and I have no doubt he will go on to do amazing things. Just to remind Dr. McDonagh, while it is very tough and there is the likes of Martin and David Joyce and other great Traveller activists, it is because of people like you that young men like James see it is possible and that Travellers can and do make a stand. I thank IHREC for being present today and supporting us to write up another report for actions.

I have a suggestion we might agree to. We could write to the housing committee to see what it has done on Traveller accommodation and let us have a public session with it. Something we do not want to do as a committee is segregate Travellers. We do not want to say we will take that because we are the Traveller committee and we have the responsibility for their housing and we will do all that for them. Years ago, I remember at the top of halting sites there used to be the Traveller doctor, who was not a Traveller, but you would get your vaccination off them and every Traveller in the country had to go to Castle Street if they wanted to get their social welfare. We do not want to be part of segregation. Can we agree that we will write to the housing committee to get it on board and do a session involving both committees?