Ireland criticised by social rights committee over treatment of Travellers

The Council of Europe committee found that Ireland does not provide enough in the way of accommodation for Travellers and does not have adequate legal safeguards for evicting them.

The European Roma Rights Centre lodged a complaint against Ireland in 2013, alleging that Ireland was in breach of the European Social Charter over accommodation standards and housing rights.

Following its decision, the committee will now discuss the findings and could adopt a formal resolution against the State.

David Joyce, board member at the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that legal concerns over evictions have been raised for ears.

He added: “The numbers of Traveller halting sites are not being made available and the ones that are being made available are just not up to standards in terms of safety, sanitation services and management.

“The other area is a legislative framework which really needs to be addressed. It does not provide the legal safeguards when it comes to evictions.

“There’s no alternative accommodations being provided, there is no access to legal advice or legal services.”