Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I do not have any points to make. I have just been listening to the debate. I support the Bill. It is important, but there is something missing, that being, supporting people who have dogs, including people from poor communities. I do not believe in having dangerous dogs or just letting dogs loose. For example, one halting site has had numerous problems with dogs recently. It is the site I lived in myself – Labre Park. For me, having animals is great for people’s mental health.We know that among Traveller men, one in 11 deaths is caused by suicide. If we put in punishment for dog owners and only certain people are allowed to have dogs, I genuinely think it is discrimination to us members of the Traveller community. That is my hands up listening to this debate. Those are the people who will be the worst affected. Again, in halting sites, not just in Ballyfermot but up and down this country, the Traveller community-----