Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Today I want to bring to people's attention that March is anti-racism month, a month that focuses on interculturalism, equality and anti-racism. On 1 March five years ago, Travellers were recognised as an ethic minority group in Irish society. NGOs and Travellers fought for many years to be recognised by the State as an ethnic minority group. Thankfully, we are now recognised by the State, even though we have always existed in Irish society and always played an equal part in our society. This year we mark 100 years of the Seanad, and I am a very proud member of the Traveller community who takes part in negotiations that have an impact on all walks of society. To be able to be part of those larger conversations is critically important.

There can no longer be token recognition. It is not just about recognising Travellers on a piece of paper in this House; it is also about implementing the recommendations that Travellers came up with. We need to work with NGOs to improve the quality of life of Travellers within society. We should have the same outcomes as the general population. It is important that there are no longer just tokenistic gestures for our community.

I want to bring to the attention of the House that in April it will have been a year the Minister for Justice, Deputy Helen McEntee, published the heads of a Bill on hate crime. While that was welcome, we would like to know the current status of the Bill. It would be brilliant if the Minister could come to the House, especially in the month of March, to give us an update on hate crime legislation. I have spoken to the European Network Against Racism, ENAR, which is desperate to get it over the line. We would welcome that legislation.

It has also been a year since the launch of the Government's White Paper on ending direct provision. It would be brilliant if the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy Roderic O'Gorman, could come to the House and give us an update on ending direct provision.

It is important that the recognition of the Traveller community five years ago be recognised by the House. That, along with hate crime legislation and ending direct provision, are important matters that, in my opinion and that of the Civil Engagement Group, have been pushed aside over the past year. I would love to see further discussion on these matters with the two Ministers I mentioned.