Traveller advocacy group Pavee Point have welcomed the news that Taoiseach Enda Kenny has resolved to support the recognition of Traveller ethnicity.
Recognition as an ethnic minority has long been sought by representatives of the Traveller community but has been refused by previous governments.
The Government will begin taking steps towards the recognition of Traveller ethnicity in the new year, said the Taoiseach on Wednesday.
He said he had asked Minister of State at the Department of Justice David Stanton to prepare a report for the social affairs committee on the question of recognising Traveller ethnicity. The report is likely to be revealed in a few weeks.
Mr Kenny said that there were no constitutional bars and that officials are looking to experiences in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland.
In a statement, Pavee Point said recognition would be a “a major step forward for Travellers, cultural diversity and equality in Ireland”.
It added that recognition would help the ethnic group’s standing with the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the European Commission and other international organisations.
Ronnie Fay, Director of Pavee Point stated that by recognising Traveller ethnicity, the State was acknowledging its respect for Traveller culture and identity.
“We are ensuring that Travellers can be proud of their heritage and look forward to a future that takes into account their cultural identity,” said Ms Fay.
“While we realise that recognition of Traveller ethnicity is not going to solve all the problems that Travellers face it is vital in terms of bringing Traveller inclusion to the fore front in service provision and policy implementation.”
Co-director of Pavee Point Martin Collins commented that the Taoiseach’s statement made him “proud to be Irish”.
“Finally our community will have the recognition we deserve,” said Mr Collins. “No longer will Travellers be looked upon as settled people gone wrong. We will have our rightful place in Irish society.”
