Mr. Bernard Joyce:

On the internalised element within the community, I am not sure if people really understand the psychological damage that is happening to our young people. This case study might give some depth to that. It is a follow-on to the Deputy's question and to what Mr. Collins said. I will quote from a16 year old in post primary school in 2009:

I love music and art. I want to be a musician and a model. I'm really scared to tell my class that I'm a Traveller and have anxiety about this. Most of my class have said that they are already racist and that their parents do not like us Travellers living in their area. Some of my class call us "knackers" and most of the rest nod in agreement. I am the only Traveller in the class, but I don't want to tell my teacher as it could make the situation worse.

That is a case study and many Travellers do not feel that they can disclose their identity. They do not feel confident because of the level of prejudice and discrimination they experience. When they are in a classroom where racism comes in from the community and they are surrounded by that, how are they to have that pride in their identity? It is very challenging. That is one in a third level institution. There is another one probably from a primary school. It is also important. It is from a seven year old who says that she cannot be herself in school. Our education system is not inclusive and is not welcoming. Being a Traveller is nearly a resistance in itself. We need to ensure that initiatives such as the Private Members' Bill on Traveller culture and history are included. We need to look at initiatives such as the Yellow Flag programme and initiatives that are working day to day trying to bring about the changes that are necessary.

There is an onus on the State to take on the responsibility and show leadership to ensure that what is happening to our young people now is addressed because it is absolutely unacceptable. We all have a responsibility to ensure that action is taken.