Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Tá dhá cheist agam, a Cheann Comhairle. Beidh mé gasta agus gairid. Yesterday the Taoiseach brought a memo to Cabinet on the proposed citizens' assembly. This is despite the fact that the Government has failed to implement many of the recommendations of the Constitutional Convention, including those pertaining to the rights of citizens living outside the State to vote in presidential elections. The Government also intends to exclude politicians - including those from the Northern Ireland Assembly - from the citizens' assembly. The last Constitutional Convention worked well, so why change it? In view of the concerns of Sinn Féin and others, can the Tánaiste indicate when a discussion will be held on the citizens' assembly, its make-up, its structure and its proposed programme of work?

The programme for Government contains a commitment to deliver on the principles of social inclusion for the Traveller community. This was also promised in the last programme for Government and was not delivered. The Government also promised to publish a national Traveller and Roma inclusion strategy this year. Will the Tánaiste confirm whether this will be in place before the end of the year?

The former Minister of State, former Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, told the Traveller community, 20 months ago, that Traveller ethnicity would be recognised within six months. It is recognised in Northern Ireland, in England, in Scotland and in Wales. It does not need legislation. The Tánaiste, in her role as Minister for Justice and Equality, could come into the Chamber now and declare it. She could do it this morning. Can the Tánaiste indicate when Traveller ethnicity will be formally recognised?

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