Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach and acknowledge the work of his Government, as well as Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin and all the others who have worked diligently on this matter over many years. I welcome each and every person that has travelled from around the country to be here tonight, those in the Visitors Gallery and others outside. It is important to acknowledge that they are there.

This achievement has been brought about by the work of a great number of people. I acknowledge the work of Pavee Point and the Irish Traveller Movement, as well as youth workers in the Traveller community who have worked diligently for many years to try to look after their own community. In my own small way, through my political work, I do my level best to represent all of the people from my community, including Travellers.

There are many important issues facing people from the Traveller community and in our wider society. Unfortunately, suicide statistics are worse for the Traveller community than elsewhere, as are the statistics for housing, homelessness, health, and lower life expectancy rates. In addition, young people from the Traveller community are not inclined to go on to third-level education in the same numbers as from the general population. That issue also needs to be addressed. We all have a big job of work to do.

I compliment members of the Joint Committee on Justice and Equality who did great work both now and in the past. While one could be critical and say that previous Governments did not do enough, it is only right and proper to acknowledge the positive things they did, which have brought us to where we are. We should be open and broad-minded enough to thank everybody.

Housing affects everyone, including the Traveller community. Like every other county, Kerry has a housing crisis. I heard other speakers being uncomplimentary about their local authorities, but I wish to thank Kerry County Council's housing department for its work. The department always does its best. It does not matter whether one is from the Traveller community or elsewhere, our housing officers do their best with the limited resources at their disposal. They always try to provide a proper service.

I do not care where people come from, they are entitled to have a roof over their head. That applies to all communities, regardless of where they are from. I am being parochial but I compliment the great work of those in Kerry County Council's homeless unit. I will not embarrass anybody by naming them, but I also compliment retired people who do great work not just with the Traveller community but also with every other sector of society.

Local county councillors in Kerry do excellent work with the Traveller community, as well as with everybody else. I acknowledge their great endeavours. Resources are limited of course but we must try to use them to the best possible effect.

This is a good occasion, but tomorrow morning we must ensure that adequate resources are put into tackling health, housing and education issues. In that way we can put teeth and substance into this matter, thus ensuring that people will be treated with the respect they deserve, whether they are from the Traveller community or any other sector in society.

I welcome everybody who travelled here tonight. I appreciate that it was not easy for those who embarked on long journeys. I thank everyone in government and opposition who played a vital role in ensuring that we have reached this stage.

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