Eileen Flynn (Independent)
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We are waiting for other members to come in. We have seen submissions and heard during previous meetings about trespass legislation and how nomadism has been criminalised in Ireland. Travellers can no longer travel because it is against the law. Apart from repealing that legislation, what else do the Focus Ireland or the Housing Agency representatives believe could be put in place as a solution as soon as possible? What would that be?

We have discussed housing, social housing and areas that are relevant to the general population. The Traveller community is obviously part of the general population in Ireland. However, so much has been taken away from that community. Some people choose to live in a trailer or caravan because that is their way of life. I have family members who live in trailers and would not live anywhere else. To have the opportunity to do that is part of our culture and way of life. We are always talking about houses and so on but what about lending schemes for caravans? Many Travellers would live in a warm, clean mobile home that was appropriate and had services to go with it. Is that a possible option for Travellers in the context of trespass legislation? When we talk about accommodation we are always talking about social housing but many Travellers would choose clean, appropriate, warm mobiles homes and trailers.