Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

This morning, I want to bring it to the attention of the House that the Traveller committee will be set up officially. I thank Members for supporting it. The one positive thing is that when I am long gone as a Member of Leinster House, the committee will still exist. It will have the power to hold the State to account and bring about good, meaningful, positive, life-changing and lifesaving changes for our community. That is really welcome.

On that note, it is three years since we had a proper debate on Traveller accommodation. I talk a lot about the fact that responsibility should not be put on the shoulders of one Senator, or maybe a few, so it would be good to have the Minister of State responsible for Traveller housing here to debate the matter before the recess. Unfortunately, Traveller accommodation and living conditions are getting worse, if anything. We tend to be swept aside and nobody is held accountable regarding the drawing down of the money, etc. It would be interesting for us to have the discussion in this House before or even after the committee is set up. I thank the Ceann Comhairle, Cathaoirleach and Members of both Houses for supporting the committee and, most important, for wanting to bring about positive, meaningful change for the Traveller community.