Ethnicity and Culture

Four submissions referenced Traveller and Roma ethnicity, and/or their distinct cultural heritage, languages and identities (Pavee Point; NTP; TEJP; and TVG, Cork). TEJP recommended that staff within public service organisations be required to complete “Traveller Culture Awareness Training” delivered by “a recognised Traveller organisation”. Both Pavee Point and NTP mentioned nomadism specifically. Pavee Point argued that the “habitual residence condition” restricts access to some social welfare payments with a negative impact on Traveller and Roma communities, many of whom practice a nomadic lifestyle.

Three submissions referenced the principle of equality, in reference to Traveller and Roma communities (Pavee Point, NTP and AI). Pavee Point called for the design and implementation of programmes that are “inclusive, culturally appropriate, and lead to better outcomes for disadvantaged groups, including Travellers and Roma”.