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Travellers Recognised as an Ethnic Group Within the Irish Nation
Taoiseach Enda Kenny pictured with Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald, Minister of State with Responsibility for Equality, David Stanton and with members of the National Travellers organisations delegation
Speaking in the Dáil this evening, Taoiseach Enda Kenny formally recognised Travellers as a distinct ethnic group within the Irish nation.
The Taoiseach said:
The Traveller community has for many years campaigned to have their unique heritage, culture and identity formally recognised by the Irish State, and in this State they make their contribution as Gardai, Doctors, members of the Defence Forces and Prison Officers. So there should be no surprise that a person can indentify as Irish and as a Traveller. This is a deep and personal issue for many Travellers.
The Taoiseach said he was honoured to make the announcement and that it was a proud day for Travellers and a proud day for Ireland.
The Taoiseach concluded:
May all the people of our nation live in the shelter and never the shadow of each other.
Read An Taoiseach's full speech here.