Eileen Flynn (Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Yes. It is really important we treat the Traveller community as we would any other community because violence is not part of Traveller culture. That is the same for domestic violence, antisocial behaviour, etc. They are not part of our culture and our way of life. Looking at media outlets today, I was kind of thinking "What the hell?", but it is always a minority within a minority group, unfortunately. Those issues have to be dealt with too. As I said, there can be intimidation and bullying on sites just as there would be in a lot of areas in Dublin. It is up to the agencies to deal with those the same way they would deal with any other community. It is really important we do that.

There have been more positives than negatives this morning. We have some powerful recommendations for our report and suggestions as well. If our witnesses do not want to say anything else, we thank them as a committee for coming in and giving their time and their honesty to us as well. We need that honesty as a committee, as well as communication and to try to work together. It is not about attacks and us against them, because that has been happening for too long. It is really about coming together and working for the common good. Again, I thank the witnesses so much for coming to our committee. The information has been very helpful to us and will support our report.

The organisations invited to appear at our next public meeting are yet to confirm. We are waiting to hear from the law and mediation organisation in Coolock and FLAC.