Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I should also have said hats off to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, which has not drawn down any of its funds, despite the fact a tragedy took place in its area. Apparently, the Ballyogan work is under way and the money will be recouped retrospectively.

The Traveller infant mortality rate is 12 children per 1,000. That is a shocking figure in a so-called developed country. The rate is four times that of the settled population. I am sure the Minister knows the causes of infant mortality are associated with sanitation, access to medical care and access to clean drinking water. Many of the bays for Travellers do not have electricity. This is simply unacceptable.

The housing committee tried to reach an agreement whereby councils would be overridden, if necessary. This is because there is clearly a problem with councillors from a couple of the big parties, in particular, and also among other parties and independents, in respect of allowing Traveller-specific accommodation.

Could I ask the Minister about something I know she could do? I realise this may take time and it is not specifically her responsibility; it is that of the Minister responsible for housing. Could she end the education cuts that have affected Travellers, including Traveller children, since the period of the bailout, particularly in respect of visiting teachers?

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