Results 17,141-17,160 of 21,514 for speaker:Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Recognition of Traveller Ethnicity: Discussion (26 Oct 2016)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I have been advised that we have apologies from Senator Frances Black. There are two items on the agenda relating to the recognition of Traveller ethnicity. Our first session is a discussion with representatives of the Irish Traveller Movement, ITM, on this important issue. The joint committee has identified this as one its priority issues in its 2016 work programme. We are appreciative...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Recognition of Traveller Ethnicity: Discussion (26 Oct 2016)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I thank Ms Joyce. I now call Mr. Bernard Joyce, director of the Irish Traveller Movement.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Recognition of Traveller Ethnicity: Discussion (26 Oct 2016)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I thank Mr. Joyce. I will take questions from members, starting with Deputy O'Callaghan.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Recognition of Traveller Ethnicity: Discussion (26 Oct 2016)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: The witnesses can share their responses. Deputy O'Callaghan will have supplementary questions to ask, so we will take each of the Deputies and Senators in turn.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Recognition of Traveller Ethnicity: Discussion (26 Oct 2016)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Does Mr. Joyce wish to come back in?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Recognition of Traveller Ethnicity: Discussion (26 Oct 2016)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I thank Mr. Joyce. A number of members are indicating to speak. I am not missing out Senator Kelleher but I have to try to accommodate the committee members first in deference to their specific interest and work on this matter. I have noted the names of those who have shown their hands to speak. They are Deputies Jack Chambers and Jonathan O'Brien, followed by Senator Colette Kelleher,...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Recognition of Traveller Ethnicity: Discussion (26 Oct 2016)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I thank Ms Maria Joyce for that. Is Deputy Chambers happy with that response?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Recognition of Traveller Ethnicity: Discussion (26 Oct 2016)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Before I bring in the next tranche of speakers I wish to indicate that we have another session coming after this so I ask that people be mindful that we have another group coming in on the same issue. I now invite Deputy Jonathan O'Brien to contribute.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Recognition of Traveller Ethnicity: Discussion (26 Oct 2016)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Much of what Deputy O'Brien has said has already been addressed, but there is one little element that was new, which is a reference to an apology. Will the witnesses comment on this? If possible, I ask for just one person to comment because I want to give everyone the opportunity to participate. The witnesses can draw lots as to who will take it.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Recognition of Traveller Ethnicity: Discussion (26 Oct 2016)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Senator Kelleher has been very patient.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Recognition of Traveller Ethnicity: Discussion (26 Oct 2016)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: She is very welcome to the committee.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Recognition of Traveller Ethnicity: Discussion (26 Oct 2016)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Ms Joyce made reference to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, CERD, earlier in her remarks. I am reminded we are due for review under CERD in 2018, and this would be a matter that needs to be addressed comfortably in advance of that date.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Recognition of Traveller Ethnicity: Discussion (26 Oct 2016)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Absolutely.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Recognition of Traveller Ethnicity: Discussion (26 Oct 2016)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I thank Ms Joyce and Senator Ó Donnghaile. I have no further questions to ask the witness. Did Mr. Joyce want to say something?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Recognition of Traveller Ethnicity: Discussion (26 Oct 2016)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I will make a brief comment before finishing. It is important to record that the last committee, under the chairmanship of Deputy David Stanton, did very sound work on this issue. This committee recognises it is important to inject fresh new impetus. We have a new configuration in terms of politics represented in the Houses of the Oireachtas. It is critically important, as some of those...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Recognition of Traveller Ethnicity: Discussion (26 Oct 2016)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: The committee will now resume in public session. This is the second of our two meetings this morning on the issue of the recognition of Traveller ethnicity. The next part of our discussion is with the representatives of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. I welcome Ms Emily Logan, Chief Commissioner, and Mr. David Joyce, a member of the commission, to the meeting. On behalf of...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Recognition of Traveller Ethnicity: Discussion (26 Oct 2016)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: In our previous session with representatives of the Irish Traveller Movement and the National Traveller Women's Forum there had been the expectation that following the publication of this committee's report that there would be a statement of recognition within a relatively short period. I do not doubt the resolve of those who made that statement and undertook to see the matter delivered....

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Recognition of Traveller Ethnicity: Discussion (26 Oct 2016)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I thank Ms Logan. It will prove to be the case that members will recognise and accept that the recognition of Traveller ethnicity is a new beginning in the relationships between indigenous communities on the island. There has been, at times, a fraught relationship between some in the settled community and the Traveller community. The matter has to be addressed. What role can education...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: Recognition of Traveller Ethnicity: Discussion (26 Oct 2016)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I accept and welcome the additional information Ms Logan has shared. Higher education is very important in addressing discrimination. It needs to start at the earliest stage of the formation of thoughts, ideas and interpersonal relationships. I look forward to seeing more on that in the future. I am reminded of a phrase my grandmother taught me many years ago, "There are good goods in...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government: Housing Provision (8 Nov 2016)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: 206. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the status of developments at a housing scheme (details supplied) in County Monaghan; if funding has been allocated for this community facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33696/16]