Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

A former Minister of State, Senator Ó Ríordáin, told the Traveller community 20 months ago that Traveller ethnicity would be recognised within six months. One and a half years later, I wish to ask the Taoiseach about when the Government will honour that commitment. Mr. John Connors's excellent RTE documentary on Travellers underlined the unique ethnicity of that very valued part of our nation and the failure of successive Governments to recognise it formally.

Last week, the European Commission stated that it might initiate proceedings against the State for discriminating against Travellers. Specifically, it referenced the ten deaths in the horrific fire at Carrickmines this time last year and the appalling decision to evict 23 families from the Woodland Park halting site in Dundalk in January. Will the State co-operate fully with the Commission? Will the Taoiseach ensure any response by the Government to the Commission is published? Will the Government stop prevaricating on this issue and formally recognise the ethnicity of the Traveller community?

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