Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Tá an Bille seo an-tábhachtach ar fad agus tá me féin agus Sinn Féin ag tabhairt tacaíochta dó. I am happy to have an opportunity to speak on the Bill, which was brought forward by Deputy Pringle, and to offer my full support and that of my party for it. The Traveller community faces discrimination at many levels in society. This discrimination can be obvious or subtle. Many in the community feel marginalised in Irish society. Their experiences and interactions ensure they are made to feel excluded on a regular basis. They are made to feel they do not belong and are not valued as citizens of this country. The Traveller community is treated in a manner that does not reflect the values and ideals of the 1916 Proclamation, which referred to "cherishing all the children of the nation equally".

People's understanding of Traveller culture is often ill-informed, negative and, at times, condescending. To change this, we need to change people's attitudes. We can start this process of developing an understanding of Traveller culture and history by teaching it in classrooms. The inclusion of Traveller culture and history in the curriculum of primary and post-primary schools is long overdue. The Traveller community is now recognised as a distinct ethnic group and this recognition must be reflected in our education system. The community has a rich culture and history and its own unique language. It is a proud community.

More than 15 years ago, a decision was made by those in authority to block off Dunsink Lane, which linked Finglas with Castleknock and where more than 80 Traveller families were living. I vehemently opposed this ill-conceived decision, which resulted in the isolation of those families from the general community. This, in turn, led to unnecessary tensions and a breakdown in the relationships between the Traveller and settled communities. To this day, it remains a bone of contention. The boulders that remain in place are a graphic reminder of the deliberate separation of the Traveller community from the general population.

This Bill will bring much-needed awareness among the settled community of their fellow citizens in the Traveller community. I hope that, in time, through the educational process, this awareness will bring greater tolerance and understanding of a unique community that is often seen as being outside the margins of society. A curriculum that gives a positive reflection of Traveller life, past and present, is one positive step. A level playing field when it comes to education is another, and it is badly needed. This is just one small step in a process that is long overdue and will make our society more open, tolerant, strong and diverse.

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