Eileen Flynn (Independent)
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For the record, the committee invited CLM and FLAC as part of the discussion on accommodation. That was my point.

We need at least 20 CLM and FLAC offices to deal with the demand. You have to live in the community to understand the number of cases that Travellers would have to take given that these incidents happen daily as a result of the level of racism and discrimination. Hatred has gone through the roof in this country and is worse than ever. I see myself as a public representative who happens to be a member of the Traveller community. People are in dire need of support in the justice system and with accommodation. As Ms Heavey said, this is all linked. In the context of services such as CLM and FLAC, what can the Government do?

I would say that we need 20 Senators from the Traveller community. Sometimes I play the roles of a Minister, a local councillor, a Deputy and a Senator because people are in dire need of basic services. It is heartbreaking that in 2024 we are speaking to two services that try their hardest, with very little financial support, to support the Traveller community around justice. I am sure the witnesses know that things are getting worse around discrimination and racism in this country, not just for Travellers but also for people from other ethnic minority groups. What can the Government do to support services like youth services to deliver on the ground and get information out to the community?