Traveller ethnicity recognised in historic Dáil statement

Travellers have been recognised as a distinct ethnic group in an historic announcement made in the Dáil last night.

Speaking in the Dáil, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said Ireland has “implicitly recognised Travellers as having a distinct ethnic identity” for some time.

However, he said that formal recognition of Travellers as a distinct ethnic group “could have a transformative effect on relations between Travellers and the wider society, and will create no new individual, constitutional or financial rights”.

He added: “Of course, Travellers already enjoy all the human rights and responsibilities that are afforded for all people under our constitution and laws. The acceptance and implementation of those rights and responsibilities has to work both ways in order for society to function effectively, inclusively and with mutual respect for all citizens.”

Mr Kenny’s statement concluded: “We recognise the inequalities and discrimination that the Traveller community faces and have a range of special programmes and interventions. The development of the new National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy will build on this.

“As Taoiseach I wish to now formally recognise Travellers as a distinct ethnic group within the Irish nation. “It is a historic day for our Travellers and a proud day for Ireland.”

Emily Logan, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, said the move “puts Ireland back in step with Northern Ireland, the UK and other EU partners, as well as responding to calls from regional and international monitoring bodies for human rights and equality including the Council of Europe and the United Nations.”