Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach for his input to the House this morning. As he pointed out, it is Traveller Pride week and to mark the week we are celebrating diversity within and asking allies from the general population to also get involved in the two-week event that lasts until 24 July. As many Members of the House will be aware, during the term of the previous Government a great Oireachtas committee - the Committee on Key Issues affecting the Traveller Community - had four specific key areas of work: health, education, mental health and accommodation. A lot of work from that committee remains to be done and I know the Ceann Comhairle supports setting it back up. I would welcome the committee being re-established without delay and I ask allies in the House to get involved in it when that happens.

I want to move on from the issues of Traveller Pride week and a new committee on Traveller issues. The outcome of last night's Dáil debate on the extension of maternity leave was disappointing. I ask the Government to consider its decision not to extend maternity leave for parents and I would like to have a debate on it in the House.