Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I really will keep it brief. I thank the Minister for coming in today. I had a speech ready but my colleague, Deputy Kelleher, just said it all. What she said in her speech is fantastic. I welcome the citizens of the Traveller community who are here today and I convey my condolences to the families of Carrickmines. When I heard my colleague's speech, it reminded me of being born and reared in Charlemont Street. There was a halting site at the end of my street. My mother had a small shop and it was the only shop on the street that would serve the Traveller community. We got to know the Traveller community well, particularly one family with whom we became really friendly. I was a child at the time so I used to play with the younger children of that family. I remember there was a fire in the caravan in which the family lived. I suppose I am only talking from my heart here, but the fire killed the mother of those beautiful four or five children and the husband was heartbroken. My colleague's speech brought back to me the devastation that family suffered. Their lives were destroyed.

I welcome the report and the good work the Minister is doing. Because I believe the Minister has a good heart, I ask him to take it as his own responsibility to look at the needs of the Traveller community and how important accommodation is. It is not much to ask. It is just a human right. That is all it is. I ask him to take on board their issues and needs. I thank the Minister for giving me the time.