Ms Bridget Kelly:

In response to Deputy Ellis's comments, he is right that there needs to be accountability and sanctions need to be put in place for local authorities that are not drawing down the Traveller accommodation budget. In the past, the representatives here from Traveller organisations and members listening to the meeting have seen cases where the land and money are there but it does not get across the line. There is no political will. We need to see political will and accountability and sanctions must be put in place. It needs to be looked at more seriously.

In the past, we have also seen cases where managers of local authorities have not used the emergency powers that are in place. Mr. Collins has alluded to this already. It is about forcing the hand of local authorities to use these powers to ensure that our community is provided its basic human right to accommodation and also access to water and electricity.

The Deputy also mentioned Covid. It is sad to say that in 2021, there are still families living in deplorable living conditions with no basic sanitation. Their basic human rights in respect of access to water and electricity, and so on, are not being provided. Their basic human rights are being breached and violated. It must be looked at. The Government and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Housing need to take it on board.

As was mentioned earlier, 32 recommendations are being brought forward to the programme board. We must see those 32 recommendations being implemented. It is key that they are implemented. We need the Minister to be on board with us to ensure they get across the line.