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ITM challenge the Government on the presentation of Ireland's First National Report to CERD
Irish Traveller Movement challenge the Government on the presentation of Ireland's First National Report to the UN CERD committee in Geneva.
The Irish Traveller Movement (ITM) met with members of the UN CERD Committee in Geneva on the occasion of the Irish Government's presentation of its First Report to the CERD Committee. ITM call on the Committee to challenge the Government on its position in relation to Travellers, as outlined in the report, and the purported progress made by the State.
Of particular concern is the State's failure to recognise the ethnic status of Travellers and ITM call on Committee members to ask the Irish Government Delegation to clarify why they have taken this position.
ITM also raised deep concerns over the Government's dismal record in regard to both Traveller Accommodation provision and the State's continuing failure to address Travellers' low level of achievement within the Irish education system.
ITM drew attention to the poor provision of accommodation under the Traveller Accommodation Programs and the continuing failure of Government to actively monitor and review the discriminatory effects of the trespass legislation, which has been extensively used against vulnerable Traveller Families since its enactment in 2002. “We would call on the Government to outline what specific safeguards it has put in place to ensure families waiting for local authority accommodation, where they have no alternative accommodation, are protected from extra judicial evictions, criminal prosecution and the possible confiscation of the family home,” said David Joyce, ITM Legal Development Officer.
ITM also called on the CERD committee members to challenge the Irish State on its lack of monitoring of attainment levels for Travellers within the education system. According to ITM's Phil Mullen, less than 100 Traveller children will complete the second level cycle this year, "The Government claims to be spending in the region of €45 million on Traveller education. This spending needs to be targeted at ensuring higher attainment for Travellers and progression through the different education levels rather than just focusing on access" Of an estimated Traveller population of 4000 eligible secondary school attendees, less than 35% are participating.
In addition ITM raised the lack of representation for Travellers within political structures and called on the Irish Government to consider the creation of a traveller constituency within the Seanad ensuring that Travellers are encouraged to participate within the electoral system and give a voice to the Traveller community within our legislature.
For further information contact the Irish Traveller Movement at 01-6796577, itmtrav@indigo.ie, www.itmtrav.com or David Joyce in Geneva on 087 2220253