Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 13 June 2024

Committee on Key Issues affecting the Traveller Community

Traveller Accommodation (Resumed): Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission

10:30 am

Photo of Eileen FlynnEileen Flynn (Independent)
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I welcome our witnesses, Dr. Rosaleen McDonagh and Ms Rebecca Keatinge.

Apologies have been received from Deputy Stanton, who might be a few minutes late. We have received apologies from Senators Joe O'Reilly and O'Hara.

I remind members that they must be physically present on the grounds of Leinster House to take part in a meeting of the committee. I will not allow members to take part in the meeting if they are not in Leinster House. The evidence of witnesses physically present in Leinster House is protected by absolute privilege but they should not criticise or make charges against any person by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I propose that we publish the opening statements from our witnesses on our website. Is that agreed? Agreed. I suggest that witnesses speak for five to ten minutes and we will then allow members to ask questions or make comments for around five minutes and members may speak more than once. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Our topic this morning is accommodation and law. I welcome Dr. Rosaleen McDonagh and Ms Rebecca Keatinge from the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. I was thinking this morning how much we have talked about accommodation and law when it comes to the Traveller community. We would very much appreciate any recommendations or suggestions our guests have for the committee. We will start with Dr. Rosaleen McDonagh.