Tessa Collins of Pavee Point’s Violence Against Women Programme was a special invitee to meet US Vice President Joe Biden at an event in Dublin Castle Garden on June 24th where he spoke to her of his support for Traveller ethnicity.
Tessa was part of a group representing organisations working in the area of Domestic and Sexual Violence. Vice President Biden has a particular interest in this area and has spoken on the subject many times. His wife, also works in raising awareness of women’s rights.
The reps had to wait in the rain for an hour or two but spirits were still high as music and guest speakers entertained the crowd – including Ryan Tubridy. The Taoiseach Enda Kenny, TD dropped in and spoke about Brexit. Equality rights were also high on the agenda as the Dublin Pride Parade took place the same weekend.
Tessa managed a few words with Vice President Biden and he assured her of his ongoing support on recognising Travellers as an ethnic minority group.
