Traveller Community
Dail Éireann — 2026-03-05
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Robert Troy (FF), Longford-Westmeath

Again, I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue, which is a priority for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality and, indeed, for the whole of Government. The Minister acknowledges the staff, volunteers and community members who have worked with commitment and dedication over many years to advance the rights and well-being of Travellers in the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown area. Their efforts, often in challenging circumstances, have made a real difference to so many lives. This includes the significant contribution made by Southside Travellers Action Group in supporting local Traveller families after the tragic fire that occurred at a halting site in Carrickmines in October 2015, which the Deputy also acknowledged.
The Minister and the Government are committed to working towards the effective inclusion of Travellers in all aspects of Irish life, most immediately through implementation of the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy II 2024-2028. Strong community organisations advocating for and representing local Traveller communities are essential elements in that strategy. In their response to the situation at the Southside Travellers Action Group, the public funding organisations, including the Department, will be very conscious of the need to ensure that services are delivered to the community. I will relay the messages the Deputy brought here this evening, particularly in relation to the lease of the existing premises.
On a wider level, the Minister and her officials will continue to take steps under the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy II 2024-2028 to strengthen the supports available to local organisations to help them meet the governance and financial requirements that go hand in hand with public funding while at the same time, supporting their most necessary efforts to represent the genuine and authentic voice of local Traveller communities.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-03-05/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:44+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-03-05