Action must follow recognition of Traveller ethnicity

Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada has welcomed news that the Taoiseach is to finally recognise Traveller Ethnicity in the Dáil this evening.

The Ireland South MEP said that she hoped the Taoiseach’s announcement would be more than a symbolic act and that practical change would follow.

“I am delighted that the long overdue issue of Traveller Ethnicity is to be settled,” she said.

“This is a hugely historic moment for the 40,000 members of our travelling community and while it is an important symbolic acknowledgement, I hope that it will pave the way for real, practical change.

“Travellers face enormous discrimination in areas such as health, education and housing.

“I recently met with a number of Travellers’ rights groups in County Clare and was appalled by the conditions many of them, including young children, were forced to live in and the callous disregard for their plight by local authorities.

“People experiencing such discrimination need practical support and I hope that’s what this evening’s announcement will herald the start of; a genuine shift in both the government’s, and the nation’s, attitude to our fellow countrymen and women.”