Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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134. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality when the Government will formally recognise Traveller ethnicity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22572/16]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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The issue of Traveller ethnicity is being considered within the context of discussions on the new National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy. The final phase of a three phase consultative process in terms of the development of that Inclusion Strategy is currently underway at a cross-Departmental level under the coordination of my officials. There will be a further round of public consultations with interested parties, as part of that process, in September 2016.

It is important that the discussion on this issue be an inclusive one, including members of broader Irish society, so that we can develop a greater understanding within society in general of the issue. I have initiated discussion with Traveller organisations as to how the involvement of mainstream Irish society in the discussion can be taken forward in the context of the finalisation of the new Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy.