Recognition of Traveller Ethnicity
On Wednesday March 1st Enda Kenny made an announcement to the Dail, giving state recognition of Traveller ethnicity. The Traveller movement have been seeking this for the past 50 years and greatly welcome this overdue recognition. Ethnic status creates a space for Travellers to be respected and valued as a unique community and culture within the diverse society in which we live in Ireland.
On March 1st, 10 of us travelled from St. Catherine’s to the Dail to be present for this momentus occasion. About 150 people got into the Dail, including 4 from our group. The rest of us watched the event livestreamed in the hotel across the road, along with over 100 people who travelled from all over the country. After the presentations in the Dail, Travellers and supporters gathered outside and celebrated with song and cheer followed by a short reception at the Department of Justice. It was a proud day for all Travellers and for all Irish society that Traveller identity was acknowledged and respected.
