Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators for what were, in the main, constructive contributions. I acknowledge the lecture from Senator Twomey and thank Senator White for clarifying the situation. I will not go back over the ground I already covered.

I tried to give an honest assessment of the situation as I see it and mentioned that, despite the significant investment we have put in place, we have not achieved the progress we would like. We have put in place policies or schemes in a number of areas that have worked successfully. The plans require leadership and commitment. If we can be successful in some areas, there is no reason the same cannot be done everywhere.

I mentioned that the Civil Service internship was very successful. I spoke with a number of participants, but my words cannot express how much it meant to them to participate in a programme in which they felt it would have been impossible to participate some years ago. One of the participants later applied for a job and is now a full-time employee in a Department. Stories like that will inspire other Travellers to take the extra steps needed to succeed. There is no point in our asking the private sector to employ Travellers if we are not serious about doing it ourselves and providing opportunities for them.

While it is important to have in place legislation to protect against discrimination, we must focus on changing people's attitudes. It is incredible that while we might admire a family that decides to move to Wexford for three months of the year, our view changes dramatically when a Traveller family decides to live on the side of the road for 12 months of the year.

I listened attentively to what Senators had to say and will refer to a couple of points raised and questions asked. There are clear performance targets, particularly in the areas of accommodation and education. Senator Twomey mentioned the very successful primary health care programme. That is fully supported by the State, although it was his contention that the Government had failed in that regard. However that was one of the successful examples which, for some reason, he happened to point out even though he did not give us much credit for achieving success. I acknowledge the various comments on accommodation, inclusion and cultural activities. I agree we need to pay continuing attention to these areas.

Senator Norris raised the issue of information. An all-Ireland health study is commencing which will improve information significantly. However, the Senator is mistaken about the press council guidelines. They were not drafted by my Department. The press council is established independently. I understand the guidelines, currently drafted, are considered as a work in progress.

I am aware that Traveller organisations and others such as the Equality Authority have promoted a form of State recognition of Travellers as an ethnic group. The Government has taken the view that while Travellers are clearly an indigenous minority community there is no firm rationale for a specific ethnic recognition. Travellers already enjoy specific protection under equality legislation and there is special provision for local authorities to provide culturally appropriate accommodation for them.

The Government has prioritised practical policy implementation and it is difficult to see how recognition of ethnicity, whether in law or otherwise, would improve the day-to-day lives of Travellers in general. The equality legislation provides specific protection for Travellers against discrimination. It is uncertain if an additional recognition of ethnicity would add anything to the overall legal provision. The Council of Europe has, in relation to the framework convention on national minorities, acknowledged that the issue is of lesser significance due to the protections given in Irish equality laws.

I acknowledge that our social partners have agreed to work for greater progress for Travellers. It is important that there is now a significant dialogue among stakeholders in national consultative and advisory structures. In practical terms, the Government's approach is one which supports Travellers who are breaking out of old cycles of disadvantage. It is imperative that we support Travellers who are determined to seize new opportunities to improve their situations and that of their families. To do this requires sustained leadership and commitment, politically and at the top levels in public bodies. It is also about sustaining and improving the working relationships between the State agencies and the Travellers' representatives. There are significant challenges and significant opportunities. Concentrating on practical support measures will allow us to grasp those opportunities and face the many challenges successfully.

I would be more than happy to return to the House in 12 months' time when I guarantee I will be able to report major success on a number of fronts.