Eileen Flynn (Independent)

As Senator Stephenson said, this is Traveller Pride Week. Many members of the Traveller community and many children within the Traveller community have fewer opportunities to be successful within Irish society. Last week, a study showed that young Travellers start off on a very good footing and it is all positivity when they go into primary education. However, by the end of primary school, they say they are not good enough to be in education. I know exactly what that feels like, namely not feeling good enough coming through the education system and not feeling good enough when applying for a job.

Yesterday, I was in Jobstown speaking to teachers about the yellow flag programme and talking about some of my experiences. I worked in a nursing home in Chapelizod for three weeks on work experience from Ballyfermot College. The manager told me there was a job going and that I would be absolutely brilliant for it. I put in my CV and as soon as they saw my address, that job was no longer going. When I first moved to Donegal, I put in for numerous jobs. My CV outlined the work I had done through the Irish Traveller Movement, Pavee Point and various women's organisations. Straight away, I was discriminated against. That is not too long ago. It is still happening today for members of the Travelling community. There are many Travellers working in our health system and in our education system as teachers and principals in schools. People are afraid or ashamed to express their identity because we have to do what we do to survive. To live in that state of shame in today's society is absolutely not acceptable.

I am looking for a debate and accountability from the Government for the failures in delivering in respect of Traveller accommodation, Traveller mental health, Traveller education, which is really important, and employment for members of the Traveller community. I know the committee has been set up and will meet tomorrow. I wish the Chairperson every success, and I look forward to being a passionate Vice Chairperson on that committee. I will be putting myself forward for Vice Chair. However, actions speak louder than words. We could wallpaper both Houses with legislation and policies that are meant to make Travellers' lives better. The problem lies with lack of implementation. I call for a debate in this House to allow for statements from everybody who takes part. I am very proud to see Senator Stephenson standing up in order that the pressure is not all on the members of the community.