Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House this morning. It is important that we have a debate around the eviction ban. We mention vulnerable groups, but we are leaving a very important group of people behind, and probably the most vulnerable when it comes to accommodation, that is, the Traveller community within our society. When this Bill reaches Committee Stage, I will have big questions about why amendments Nos. 3, 16 and 17, which impact on Travellers, were ruled out of order. I will say not right now that it is discrimination. The Minister of State will come back to me on Committee Stage and let me know the reason. However, it better be a goddamn good answer for our community as to why these three amendments were ruled out of order today.

It is important that we have these discussions. I welcome the eviction bans 150%, of course. It is important that no community gets left behind, however. We talk about refugees and people living in direct provision. Unfortunately, the State is looking for them to pay rent for something it created 22 years ago. There is no harm in us discussing it today.

To reiterate, I would like a very detailed explanation of why the amendments were ruled out of order. It is not for me, however. I live in good accommodation. It is for my community. Deputy Bríd Smith's amendments in 2020 were accepted. They are just a little bit different from mine; the wording is slightly different. I want an answer for the Traveller community as to why they are not being accepted today.