John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again thank the Deputies for raising this matter and for the views they expressed. I will certainly pass on the points they made to the Minister, Deputy Shatter.

I reiterate that the Garda authorities will pursue any evidence which points to the commission of a criminal act. We are all aware that the incident which occurred in Ballyshannon could have resulted in great loss of life. If anyone has information which indicates that the fire was started deliberately, there is a clear obligation on him or her to provide it directly to the Garda.

In the context of existing legal protections for members of the Traveller community, it is important to repeat that the key anti-discrimination measures, namely, the Incitement to Hatred Act 1989, the Unfair Dismissals Act 1997, the Employment Equality Acts and the Equal Status Acts, specifically identify Travellers, by name, as a protected group. That is the law of the land. All of the protections listed in the EU's racial equality directive apply across the nine grounds on which discrimination is considered unlawful. The latter are contained in our domestic legislation and apply in respect of members of the Traveller community.

The Minister wishes to reaffirm that discriminatory and racist attitudes have no place in a modern civilised society. We cannot make matters any clearer than that. The law of the land applies equally to everyone.

The Minister is assured that the gardaí will pursue all illegal acts with vigour and professionalism.

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