Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 30 November 2023

Committee on Key Issues affecting the Traveller Community

Traveller Accommodation

Mr. Bernard Joyce:

In terms of thinking outside the box around the caravan loan grant scheme, the first thing we can do is obviously send over the submission we made to the caravan loan grant scheme in terms of key recommendations. The key recommendations are in line with the National Traveller Money Advice and Budgeting Service, MABS, which talked about key changes required and also the long-term sustainability and standards of caravans, trailers and mobile homes. Looking at that it was very clear that it was certainly in everybody's interest to have the highest standards of a caravan mobile home that would last longer.

That brings us to the second question about modular homes. It is not a question of thinking outside the box. We have been saying this for years. Many people who can afford the quality and the standards, can purchase a modular home or high-standard mobile home. Unfortunately, the vast majority of Travellers cannot do that. We have been asking that the Department, under its review, take on board key recommendations which include the highest standard of long-term quality mobile homes. There is, in fact, a standard that is set in the UK that should be utilised in Ireland. I completely agree with what the Deputy said.

Did the Deputy have another question about relationships or sites?