Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail)
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Many of my questions have been answered but my main concern is funding for Traveller accommodation that is not being used by local authorities. The witnesses have covered that. In my area the figure is 44% but in other local authority areas, it is 20%, 19% and 12%. We need to find a balance. Local authorities play a major role in this area. I work with many members of the Traveller community in my area and Traveller accommodation is a major issue. Looking at the big picture, perhaps workshops may be needed to ensure local authorities, agencies and everybody concerned work together. There can be a lack of information or awareness of issues but information is the key. It would be good if we could all work together because what service delivery is needed. One of the greatest issues in my area is accommodation.

We know that poor living conditions are a major issue for the health of older Travellers in particular. Do we always hear from them? Is there a designated Traveller representative on each of the 31 local authorities, particularly through the SPCs? When one is on the ground listening to people's concerns, that is where one will learn more. That will be important when all the agencies and local authorities work together. My local authority in Carlow made a submission. Its officials are helpful when I engage with the council. There were only 15 submissions from local authorities, which means 16 local authorities did not make a submission. Is that a concern? As was said, the 31 local authorities play a major role. As we move forward, all the agencies need to work together. One of the witnesses might respond to me on these concerns I raised. Traveller accommodation is an important issue and we need to find a balance. If funding is allocated for Traveller accommodation, it needs to be spent.