Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As regards the points made, it appears that plans are in place for a long-term solution, with €6 million having been approved by the Department for plans under way by the council for the development of a group housing scheme at the adjacent and disused Ellis Yard and the redevelopment of Spring Lane and Ellis Yard. Officials from Cork City Council have been in ongoing engagement with the families on the site, with the aid of mediators funded by the Department, which is welcome, to reach agreement on long-term accommodation solutions for the families. We all welcome that but the issue seems to relate to what needs to be done in the short term. The Department is saying it will continue its ongoing engagement with the city council to provide the necessary supports to ensure the council is well positioned to meet the challenges in this case in a timely manner.

I again compliment the Oireachtas committee. It is really proactive of the Deputies to go down to Cork, meet the Travelling community and get feedback afterwards. I will bring it all back to the Minister because, as I said, it crosses over to my brief. We have a plan coming shortly. It will relate specifically to the health and mental health of the Travelling community.

If people's living conditions are not appropriate, it is very hard for that not to affect their physical and mental health. I thank all three Deputies for coming together on this matter. I will certainly feed it back.

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