There was support for Pavee Point’s call for a ban on all Traveller evictions until decent Traveller accommodation is provided at today’s Oireachtas Committee on Housing and Homelessness.

Deputy Fergus O’Dowd (FG) of Dundalk said he fully supported the call for no evictions.  “There should be no evictions until people have somewhere decent to go to,” he said, “This is a fundamental human rights issue.”

He also said it was unacceptable that significant numbers of local authorities were not applying for funding for Traveller accommodation.  “If local authorities are not implementing their Traveller accommodation plans this is a serious matter,” he said.

Missie Collins of  Pavee Point told the Committee that  something has to be done to improve Traveller living conditions. “Unless something is done there will be more suicides and more Mammies breaking down and crying out for help.”

The Committee heard that there is a direct link between Traveller living conditions and shockingly poor health levels among Travellers, including mental health.  Suicide among Traveller men is 7 times the national average which Deputy Gino Kenny (AAA) termed a ‘national disgrace’.

Ronnie Fay, Pavee Point Co Director told the Committee that the presentation of current data hides the housing and homelessness reality for Travellers.

“The term ‘sharing’ of houses and halting bay sites is a euphemism for Travellers living in chronic overcrowding.

“The term ‘basic’ service bays refers to sites that are often flooded, rat infested and lack sufficient facilities

“The term ‘unauthorised site’ refers to Travellers who are forced to live at the roadside due to lack of access to private rented accommodation, social housing and/or Traveller specific accommodation.

“These Travellers are in effect homeless but they are excluded from Government statistics on homelessness.”

Committee members acknowledged the lack of political will to deliver on Traveller issues especially accommodation. Said Mary Butler Deputy   (FF): “The political will doesn’t seem to be there.  This is something that will seriously have to change.”

Ms Fay told the Committee that a dedicated Traveller agency is necessary to enforce the implementation of policy on Travellers to include accommodation, health, employment and education.

Sinn Fein Deputy Eoin O’Broin said he supported the call for a Traveller agency to ensure that local authorities meet their statutory obligations and said he would recommend that such an agency should operate a ‘carrot and stick’ approach.

The Oireachtas Committee on Housing and Homelessness is due to report to the Dáil by June.

Opening Statement by Ronnie Fay to Oireachtas Committee on Housing and Homelessness 5th May 2016

Full Presentation to Oireachtas Committee on Housing and Homelessness 5th May 2016