Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I find this very disheartening as the only member of the Traveller community who comes in here and speaks very openly about culture and way of life, working on amendments with my colleagues. I am talking about infrastructure, spaces where Travellers can celebrate our way of life, be that during Traveller Pride Week or at equine centres for Traveller men to be able to create jobs. It would create so many opportunities for members of our community if the Minister of State were to accept amendment No. 121. Again, it is so regrettable to stand up here as a member of the Traveller community and beg for our rights to celebrate culture and to have spaces in local communities that celebrate culture. I do not want to come across as aggressive or as somebody who is fighting, but the sad reality is that it is a challenge when we have one of the largest documents in the history of the State in front of us and again we are excluding the Traveller community. I know there are many Travellers viewing this debate who will be very disappointed that the Minister of State is not accepting our amendment No. 121. I get that he said that through museums, tinsmiths and so on we can celebrate Traveller culture, yet we do not have the spaces to be able to celebrate. He can come back on this but he has clearly said he will not accept the amendment. I just feel like going home. What is the point in me coming here and bringing the voice of the Traveller community when not one of the amendments of our CEG - not one - has been accepted all day? Not one of Sinn Féin's amendments or Labour's amendments has been accepted. I think the Government has already made up its mind.