Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am grateful for the opportunity to speak on this important motion on the blatant discrimination against Travellers in Irish society, and the urgent need to end all forms of racism and to build a more inclusive country which respects and supports the rights of Travellers. I commend Deputy Mac Lochlainn and Sinn Féin on bringing forward the motion.

The motion follows the aftermath of the horrific fire in Carrickmines in Dublin which caused the deaths of ten members of the Traveller community. Reactions following the fire highlighted the ongoing discriminatory attitudes throughout Irish society towards the Traveller community. The motion calls on the Government to lead a fundamental review of the treatment of Travellers in Irish society. That is the important aspect of this debate.

The other important issue is that we must rally around and support the Travellers' rights movement, particularly groups such as Pavee Point and the Irish Traveller Movement. All of us expressed sympathy following the Carrickmines fire tragedy. It was horrific and very sad for the families and for Travellers in general. However, there is no use having sympathy if we do not talk about introducing services or bring forward action on equality. One in ten Travellers die from suicide. There is a lack of funds for Traveller counselling services. Last year they got €14,000 from the HSE. The All Ireland Traveller Health Study, which cost approximately €1.5 million, was published in 2010, yet no action was taken. Traveller men die 15 years earlier than members of the settled community. Services are failing at local and national level.

The 40,000 Travellers in Ireland deserve respect and equality. Damn charity, they want justice and we should support them. There must be a complete re-think on the Travellers' rights issue. The Government must hear the voices of Travellers directly. We need Travellers in the Dáil and in the Seanad, because they will speak out for themselves and we can act as support groups for them. I met them today and I saw their hurt, anger and pain. Quite honestly, I was ashamed and embarrassed to see the hurt and pain in their eyes with regard to this issue and their demands. They require a national agency to deal with the accommodation issues. We must take it out of the hands of local politicians.

We are now approaching the 1916 commemoration. If we wish to talk about equality and justice, we will support the Travellers' programmes on education and accommodation.

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