Gary Lee

The Law Society has made this call on several occasions in the past, most recently in a submission to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth on Ireland’s third national report to the UN universal periodic review 2021.

It reiterated its call today to mark UN International Human Rights Day, which this year focuses on reducing inequalities and advancing human rights.

Gary Lee, chair of the Law Society’s human rights and equality committee, said there is a “serious unmet legal need within the Traveller community in relation to the provision of legal advice and representation on matters particular to Travellers.”

“The failure of the State to resource an independent law centre specifically to meet the unique needs of the Traveller community makes it far more difficult for Travellers to access justice,” he said.

“You can have a plethora of legal rights, but this is no good if you don’t know about your rights and if you don’t have expert legal advice in relation to those rights. To reduce inequality and advance human rights for the Traveller community, that community needs access to justice.

“Today, on International Human Rights Day, we call on the State to reinstate the Irish Traveller Movement Law Centre and to support its sustainability with the necessary funding to ensure that adequate and appropriate legal services are provided which address the specific needs of the Traveller community. By doing so the State will be sending out a strong message that it is committed to protecting and vindicating the rights of minorities.”