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Campaign News

Members’ MattersMessage from the Director

Dear Members and Friends of the Irish Traveller Movement (ITM), welcome to our first information update of 2012. So much has been happening over the past 6 months on important issues such as the ethnicity campaign, Traveller accommodation programmes, the impact of cuts in education, the law centre casework and policy submissions to various government departments. As members of ITM many of you have been involved in different aspects of this work or may have been informed through our ezine. This newsletter however brings all that information together, to update and inform you of the work in a concise and accessible format as part of on going commitment to keep you, the members, fully briefed on progress.

The economic situation has impacted greatly on the workload of Traveller organisations, who have fewer resources but are dealing with more issues as the impact of the cuts is being felt at local level. The need for us to be working more collectively is greater than at any time in the past 22 years of the ITM’s existence as we bring the local issues to a national space and develop clear and meaningful strategies to address the issues affecting Travellers across the country. With reduced resources many groups are not in a position to be as involved in some campaigns and working groups as they might like, so we need to find new ways for members to take an active role in the policy development, the actions and campaigns at a National level. This information update is one way to get informed and there are some very practical ways you can participate without travelling outside of the local area.

I want to highlight the Traveller ethnicity campaign in particular. As you know the ITM has been campaigning for recognition of Traveller ethnicity since 1990 but have intensified the campaign since the members passed the motion at our AGM in 2008

to renew the drive for ethnic recognition. You will see that so much has been happening, we launched a petition, two of our conferences were on the theme of ethnicity and again this year at our annual conference we will look at the link between racism, discrimination and ethnic denial. Progress has been made as the burden of proof shifted to the State to prove why Travellers do not meet the internationally recognised criteria for ethnic minorities.

However, we need to continue and push the State to recognise Traveller ethnicity. In particular the network of ITM member organisations is vital to activate local interest with politicians on the issue. At the back of this newsletter we have provided a directory of TDs and Senators, a “how to engage” document and a “snap shot” of the key messages needed to inform discussions with local politicians to make them aware of the campaign and seek their support. I urge your group to get involved as the more who do so the greater the impact.

Finally, I hope to see you at the AGM and annual conference which is scheduled for June 25th and 26th in Wexford.

Thank you for your ongoing support and solidarity, together we are stronger.

Damien Peelo

Inside: • Ethnicity• Education• Legal• Media• Local Action

June 2012 4/5 Eustace StreetDublin 2, Ireland

Tel: +353 1 679 65 77Fax: +353 1 679 65 78

Email: info@itmtrav.ieWeb: www.itmtrav.ie

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The Irish Traveller Movement (ITM), along with almost all National Traveller organisations, has campaigned for Traveller ethnicity since the 1980’s; stimulating encouraging debate and giving us a mandate from our members to make that a reality. Our vision for Traveller’s full equality is rooted in their ethnic recognition and we continue to make clear advances through political and campaigning work in national and international structures.

The Traveller community has identified itself as an ethnic minority for the purposes of international law for (e.g. the CERD Committee itself stated that Irish Travellers satisfy the criteria for recognition and in fact they met the test for recognition laid down by the House of Lords). Importantly though, there is no requirement of consensus within the Traveller community for identification as an ethnic minority, rather it requires that Travellers self identify.

Likewise Travellers did not require full community consensus to be included in Equality Legislation. While the mandate from you– our members – is unequivocal we respect that some Travellers may not choose, and are equally entitled under international human rights law to opt out1 of identifying themselves as an ethnic minority.

The ITM as a member of the Irish Civil Society Coalition ‘Your Rights, Rights Now’ Campaign, lobbied for Traveller ethnicity recognition at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR Oct 6t 2011) and welcomed Minister for Justice Alan Shatter’ statement “that serious consideration is being given to the question”– the strongest commitment by any Irish government and yet in March 2012, when formalising Ireland’s commitments, the Irish government rejected the recommendation from peer UN states to recognise Travellers as a separate ethnic group stating “there are a number of issues around the proposal of recognition of Travellers as a separate ethnic minority which need to be further considered and addressed and it is an area which is currently being given “serious consideration.”

This further demonstrated the a la carte approach taken by the Irish government offering no adequate protection now or into the future; meanwhile the Irish Traveller Movement and others commit time and resources arguing for the inclusion of Travellers in every bill and policy introduced by successive Irish governments which recognition would allow for.

ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - Campaign News

Political actions on Members behalfIn 2010, supported by ITM’s campaigning work, the Green Partybecame the first party to officially support Traveller ethnicity, in turn giving impetus to Minister Mary White under her Equality and Integration brief who stimulated the issue during her term inoffice. Later, the Irish Traveller Movement used the lead up to thelast general election as an opportunity across all political parties toinclude Traveller ethnicity within our “priority asks” for Travellerspecific actions within the next Programme for Government.

Our strengthened political engagement, both with parties in Government and in opposition has allowed us to leverage politicalcooperation by the use of PQ’s (Parliamentary Questions) and Dáil time ro drive the issue forward.

We monitor Oireachtas / Dáil activity on the issue and continue to contest concerns raised by Government Ministers for Equality in response to Parliamentary Questions who state that a lack of “unanimity among Travellers” as the reason for lack of progress.

Once in Government, the ITM initiated a submission to Minister for Justice and Equality Alan Shatter on the issue and pursued specific approaches via official structures to keep the issue to the fore of the Department’s agenda, while simultaneously Ministers

Travellers deserve more protection than political whim and recognition as an ethnic minority offers that grounding

EthnicityTravellers deserve more protection than political whim and recognition as an ethnic minority offers that grounding

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in other jurisdictions continued to be lobbied for support. Travellers have a unique opportunity for inclusion of ethnicity under the planned Review of the Constitution. However, as a start point the ITM has voiced concern that the composition of the Review Body is not representative and has sought for Traveller inclusion. Either way the tabling of the ethnicity recognition at a constitutional level is an opportunity we will pursue.

The Irish Traveller Movement believes the ethnicity campaign is at a crucial junction in the state mindset. Alan Shatter recently commented (February 2012 in the Dáil) “that consideration is still ongoing and that I intend that the question will be before the Government for decision as soon as possible. The position is unchanged.” We know currently the issue is being considered by the head of all relevant Government Departments.

“Traveller’s voices need to be at the forefront to that message in every county in Ireland”Travellers are the key players in the ethnicity campaign and representative organisations are important partners in providing the platform and support which can facilitate the best outcome for to ensure ethnic recognition becomes a reality.

The Network of ITM member organisations are vital to activate local engagement with politicians and through focusing the issue in other settings like Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committees, Interagency Groups and all other relevant forums.

The Irish political system allows considerable access to politicians in their constituency settings and while the ITM will maintain a National political strategy, this will be most effective if it runs simultaneous to local direct action. This would involve meeting with politicians in constituency clinics and by encouraging them to put down Dáil PQs which will drive the message back to the National platform of the Oireachtas and put Traveller ethnicity on their agenda.

At the back of this newsletter we have compiled a directory of political representatives in your area, and how you can most effectively seek their support to keep our membership vision in focus.

ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - Campaign News

Please sign the ITM ethnicity campaign petitionhttp://www.ipetitions.com/petition/itmethnicity/

1 General Comment 8 on ‘Identification with a Particular Racial or

Ethnic Group’ 38th session UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 1990

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ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - Legal Campaigns

Legal Campaigns in Focus

The Irish Traveller Movement Independent Law Centre has been critical in advancing important strategic objectives in line with the Irish Traveller Movement’s core work through pursuing cases related to: Accommodation, Equality and Human Rights, Ethnicity, Education and Access to Services.

From 2011 to date the Law Centre has dealt with over two hundredlegal queries and has seventeen strategic cases at litigation and pre-litigation stage. Among those cases are refusal of service, employment inequality, access to childcare services, incitement to hatred, poor accommodation provision, private eviction, planning and provision of services by management companies and an appeal to the Supreme Court in respect of enrolment.

The Law Centre is also involved in applications and complaints toEuropean and UN bodies

Landmark Stokes Case Influences Review of Education Policy and Heads to Supreme Court

The landmark Stokes enrolment case created a turning point for the Law Centre and provided the best opportunity to date to test the legality of the imposition of structures and policies which indirectly discriminate against Travellers. School policies which allow for arbitrary enrolment criteria, despite guidelines set down by the Department of Education and Skills, are long overdue reform. According to direct information obtained from the Minister for Education, John Stokes’ case in particular, influenced the discussion paper launched by him “The Regulatory Framework for School Enrolment ( June 2011)” to provide for school enrolment arrangements that support inclusive, transparent and fair enrolment policies and practice. The outcomes of which are due to be published after the Fiscal Treaty Referendum.

In John Stokes’ case he was refused admission to the Christian Brothers’ High School in 2010 having failed to gain entry by priority and an unsuccessful later lottery. John’s mother Mary, represented by the Irish Traveller Movement Law Centre, lodged a complaint in the Equality Tribunal who found in John’s favour and awarded him a place at the school (Dec 2010).

The Law Centre contended that as the eldest child in his family, John could not have a sibling in the school and as the first male in his family to progress to secondary school he could not have had a parent who attended the school. Importantly, also as a Traveller John’s father was statistically much less likely than someone from the settled population to have attended second level. In 1981, at John’s father’s school going age, progression from primary to secondary was rare, 10 % of Travellers versus 66% of the settled population.

On appeal by the school to the Circuit Court in July 2011, the court found against the Equality Tribunal judgment, stating that the policy of giving priority to sons of past pupils was indirectly discriminatory against Travellers but was objectively justified in the circumstances. Mary Stokes, through the Law Centre lodged an appeal in the High Court who later found against John and in favour of the school also.

However the case does not end there – Mary Stokes has instructed the ITM Law Centre to appeal the decision of the High Court to the Supreme Court, date pending

Young Married Traveller Couples (under 18) Allowed Place on Housing Lists

The ITM Law Centre monitored closely the impact of a policy imposed by the Department of the Environment last year (2011) indicating that applicants must be over 18 years of age to be included on housing lists. However the directive, which was issuedto local authorities, acted outside the powers of the Housing Acts 1966-2009 as no such age restriction existed in the legislation.

The Law Centre represented a Traveller couple in a challenge of a decision made by a local authority who refused them a place on a housing list because of their age and welcomed the settlement reached in the case prior to the Equality Tribunal hearing ( January 2012) which ensured the couple (aged 17 years at date of application) a place on the list in their local authority with immediate effect and their application back-dated to the original request.

Following the successful outcome, the Irish Traveller Movement in conjunction with the Law Centre called on the Department

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of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to take immediate steps to eradicate the practice of exclusion. In turn the Department changed their policy and directed all local authorities to make provisions for eligible married persons under the age of 18 on housing lists.

For a copy of the circular to local authorities log on towww.itmtrav.ie/accommodation

Facebook Case Demonstrates Further Need for Reform of Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act

September 2011 saw the first prosecution dealing with onlinematerial in Ireland and in this case it was Facebook, the social media platform, under the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989.

The case related to a 27 year old Kerry man who published materials on a Facebook page which included a range of comments that were both threatening and abusive to the Traveller community. The case was being monitored closely by the ITM Law Centre in particular as it was one of the first complainants to bring the specific Facebook pages to the attention of the Gardai. The case however, was dismissed in Killarney District Court.

The Irish Traveller Movement and the Law Centre have long Contended, both in public and through political action, that The Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act is an under-utilised piece of legislation riddled with major weaknesses – as evidenced by the failure of this case. We have appealed to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence to make reforms to the law relating to incitement to hatred against Travellers and other vulnerable communities, a priority and that any new legislation must specifically address the internet as the most common medium for hate speech in light of the EU Framework Decision on combating racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law.

In January of this year, Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister if he plans to amend the Act to “include racially aggravated harassment or other forms of racial or sectarian incitement,” to which the Minister said he had “no plans, at present”. In order to stimulate action of the reform of the Act, we need to form a more persistent and collective voice and encourage Travellers and Traveller organisations to look to their local TDs to seek support on the issue and continue to have the matter raised with the Minister for Justice. (See further information / links to local politicians on the back on this newsletter)

First ever Traveller Collective Complaint to European Committee of Social Rights

The Irish Traveller Movement Independent Law Centre, with the assistance of the European Roma Rights Centre has taken the first ever Traveller specific Collective Complaint to the European Committee of Social Rights(ECSR) against the Irish government for failing to live up to its promises under the European Social Charter, by failing to deliver proper accommodation to Traveller families.

The complaint relates to Article 16 (family housing), Article 30 (poverty and social exclusion), E (non-discrimination), Articles 15, 17, 23 (respect for the disabled, children and the elderly) and was taken on behalf of all Travellers for systemic violations by the Irish government centring on failure to provide adequate family housing, lack of access to services, lack of infrastructure for e.g.: water, electricity and evictions.

Currently being reviewed by the ECSR if declared “admissible”, the Irish government will be required to address their failures as described and may be deemed to have committed a “violation” against Travellers.

For further information on the Collective Complaint logon on to www.itmtrav.ie/lawcentre

ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - Legal Campaigns

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ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - Accommodation

National Traveller Accommodation Strategy

Irish Traveller Movement members continue to voice their ongoing frustration of working within Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committees. Those experiences are evidenced further in Annual Counts demonstrating Local Authorities failure to implement their Traveller Accommodation Programmes now in their 11th year and the overall lack of delivery of the National Strategy for Traveller Accommodation.

The reduction to the Traveller Accommodation Budget which for Capital and Current Expenditure was cut from 70 million in 2000 to 10 million in 2012 proves the pervading political mind set .

We continue to outline our concerns with Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Goverment, Jan O’Sullivan and at the National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee to remedy those issues and address the worrying trends of increased numbers of families moving into housing and decreased provision of halting sites. Local Authorities flawed practice of allocating standard housing rather than Traveller Specific Accommodation, as a more achievable, realistic option for delivery, results in Travellers feeling little choice but to accept what is being offered and often where they have been on a waiting list for long periods.

The call for a National Traveller Accommodation Agency to oversee all aspects of Traveller accommodation provision has not been acknowledged; however in response to our call for strengthening the powers of the National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee and the Traveller Accommodation Unit to ensure Local Authorities implement Traveller Accommodation Programmes, Minister O’Sullivan has agreed to consider a submission by the Irish Traveller Movement to amend the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998.

In consultation with our member groups and Travellers nationwide consultation on a new strategy to improve delivery of Traveller accommodation was convened in June 2012. A report of which will be available from the ITM later this month.

The reduction to the Traveller

Accommodation Budget which for Capital

and Current Expenditure was cut from 70

million in 2000 to 10 million in 2012 proves

the pervading political mind set

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Traveller Education

In the face of the most austere measures in recent years for Travellers in education the Irish Traveller Movement actively sought to reverse budgetary cuts which were applied to Traveller education (2011) in what was a short sighted and cynical measure with little regard for Traveller children’s future life chances.

In conjunction with our member networks and working groups we initiated actions for the immediate reversal of those cuts, a review of the current Traveller education supports in line with Government recommendations and a ring fencing of resources for Traveller education. Critically the response by other stakeholders including the teaching and political / social sector was widespread and the activation of protests and campaigns by other affected vulnerable groups proved helpful, however to little affect for Travellers.

On the 18th October 2011 the Oireachtas Joint Committee on developments in Traveller education policy, a senior civil servant presented the DES approach and stated the core point of the Traveller education strategy ‘‘was that they should be resourced and supported on the basis of their need rather than simply on the basis of their identity.” That element was negotiated with Travellers and they broadly welcomed it.

The Irish Traveller Movement counteracted the internal DES position in a submission back to the Oireachtas Joint Committee and sought redress.

There was no strong basis in reality for the DES contention. In fact there were significant differences in the position of the Irish Traveller Movement and we contended that the “supposed consensus” came about from a shared principle that the trigger for special educational supports for Travellers should be based on the educational needs of children rather than on their identity or ethnic origin. However that “supposed consensus” was compromised by very different interpretations of how this principle should be implemented.

One core difference related to the recognition of Traveller ethnic identity. The ITM recognises the “distinct ethnic identity” of Travellers and espouses the rights of Traveller children to enjoy their own culture as set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The position of the Department of Education and SkillS reflected a return to an understanding of integration akin to assimilation rather than the understanding of integration as identified in the Task Force Report which emphasised that a ‘recognition of Travellers’ culture and identity was important for Travellers and their status in Irish society and that cultural difference therefore should be taken on board in policy design and in the procedures by which resources are made available’.

The ITM await an oral presentation to the Oireachtas Joint Committee. Should you wish to view the full submission go towww.itmtrav.ie/education

ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - Education

In conjunction with our member networks and working groups we initiated actions for the immediate reversal of those cuts

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ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - Education

Promotion of Diversity

The ITM is still challenged by a lack of resources required to reinstate the position of Education Worker and rely on the support of our member and working groups to identity the ongoing needs and related trends and concerns in Traveller education. In the meantime the ITM continues to work in partnership with key stakeholders to ensure the Intercultural Education Strategy, 2010- 2015 is implemented.

The Yellow Flag programme pioneered by the ITM provides many opportunities to advance important components related to intercultural education and diversity including Travellers, in the education setting. The programme has attracted critical support from philanthropic bodies, institutes and a range of stakeholders and ambassadors who have supported its long term value. We remain committed to seeking political support for Yellow Flag to give it mainstream national standing and ensure all pupils throughout Ireland benefit.

School Enrolment

The ITM and the Law Centre welcomed the Minister for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn’s invitation for submissions on the discussion paper: “The Regulatory Framework for School Enrolment” ( June 2011). The Stokes case (as referred) and the related legal proceedings informed not only the ITM submission but also informed the Government’s decision to address the inequalities in school practice, by launching the discussion paper. The outcome report of which is expected later this summer. To download a copy go to www.itmtrav.ie/education

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Media Matters

Fairness in Broadcasting – Travellers

The Irish Traveller Movement remains concerned about the sometimes unfair and partial treatment of Travellers and where there is a lack of balance in broadcast material involving Travellers. We welcomed the opportunity to make a submission to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland during their Public Consultation on a Draft Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality in News and Current Affairs in the Broadcast Media in March 2012.

Travellers statically experience unequal participation within the media and experience extraordinary imbalance both in the way issues which relate to their community are reported and on how little value is placed on their views on wider Irish society. No concrete measures have been implemented to remedy or give affirmative actions to increase Travellers input into the media infrastructure in explicit recognition of their individual protection within the Equal Status Legislation.

There has been an unprecedented level of media interest generated as a result of a range of “documentary” type programmes focused on Travellers and the Irish Traveller Movement continue to receive an overwhelming level of requests by media makers who are keen to produce similar programmes in other media forums.

Ongoing feedback from members as well as the reflections of Travellers broadly, suggest concerns remain as to the impact of those programmes. In particular, there is a strong sense that the misrepresentation of Traveller’s lives, via the Big Fat Gypsy series(s) in exoticising Travellers in a way that attracted negative commentary and which many Travellers reported feeling no connection to, caused much upset.

Since the broadcast of these “documentaries” we have noted a renewed and understandable reluctance by Travellers to engage with the media. This also affects the ITM’s work and the work of Traveller organisations in general, in their efforts to communicate Traveller messages, so crucial to furthering equality for Travellers. We understand the working needs of the media and the construct out of which is operates and its obligations therein and maintain good working relationships - believing that engagement in a proactive and responsive way is critical to Travellers, settled people

ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - Media

and the media itself. However we are more vigilant than ever of evaluating every media request / opportunity with an increased sensitivity in the current environment.

We suggest that the specific naming of Travellers for special affirmative actions to include sensitive measures within the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland’s Code of Fairness would also be extremely welcomed and contribute to addressing a long term imbalance of reporting. We await the BAI’s final report.

For the full ITM submission to the BAI go to www.itmtrav.ie/publications

Press Council uphold Irish Traveller Movement complaint on Evening Herald Article

The Irish Traveller Movement submitted a complaint to the Press Ombudsman in relation to an article which appeared in the Evening Herald on Wednesday, September 14th 2011 titled “Traveller gangs have become a mafia the law fears to tackle” and which asked “When did Travellers go from being craftspeople to establishing themselves as a pan-national crime gang?,” and maintained that “many [Travellers have] turned to drugs and crime” and had become “what appears to be Ireland’s biggest crime gang.”

The Irish Traveller Movement complained that the article harmed and caused grave offence to the Traveller community, that it reinforced stereotypes and compounded racism and discrimination.

The Press Ombudsman upheld the Irish Traveller Movement’s complaint and found the article to be in breech of Principles 2 (Distinguishing Fact and Comment) and 8 (Prejudice) of the Code of Practice for Newspapers and Magazines.

Because the newspaper’s response, including the material it provided, was insufficient to justify the reporting of these opinions as fact, the complaint under Principle 2 of the Code of Practice was upheld.

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ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - Media

The complaint under principle 8 of the Code was also upheld as the opinions expressed within the article were expressed in a way that inadequately distinguished between Travellers gangs and the community of Travellers in general, which also caused grave offence to many people on the basis of their membership of the Traveller community.

The Evening Herald appealed the decision of the Press Ombudsman to the Press Council of Ireland.

The Irish Traveller Movement welcomed the Decision of the Press Council which found in favour of the Irish Traveller Movement and upheld the decision of the Press Ombudsman, which was published in the Evening Herald paper on Saturday May 5th 2012.For the full version of the Press Council decision go to www.itmtrav.ie/press or www.presscouncil.ie

Travellers statically experience unequal participation within the media and experience extraordinary imbalance both in the way issues which relate to their community are reported and on how little value is placed on their views on wider Irish society

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ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - Local Politics

Traveller Voices Need to be at the Forefront to the Ethnicity Message in Every County in Ireland How and why make an impact at your local level

Ethnicity for Travellers is at a crucial junction in the state mind set and with the Minister for Justice indicating that the question will come before the Government shortly. The Irish Traveller Movement believe that Travellers, ITM members and representative organisations are central to the next step in the campaign.

We are hopeful that with regional support through engagement with local politicians and networks we can influence that decision to ensure Travellers are rightfully recognised and legally protected within the Irish state with their identity proudly intact.

To do that Traveller voices need to be to the forefront of the campaign, making their case heard to politicians throughout Ireland.

We encourage you make direct contact with local politicians in constituency clinics and encourage them to put down Dáil Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and seek Committee time which will help drive the message back to the National platform of the Oireachtas and put Traveller ethnicity firmly on the agenda.

Steps to local political action

Most TDs take an interest in issues “specific to their local area and of relevant interest to their political brief” and rely on interest groups like the Irish Traveller Movement and others to provide briefings on issues. Those groups in turn request the TD to look for Dáil time to bring the matter to the attention of the Dáil via a PQ.

What are Parliamentary Questions (PQs?)

Dáil Éireann allocates a certain amount of time on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during which TDs may ask questions of Members of the Government relating to Public Affairs connected with their Departments or on matters of administration for which they are officially responsible.

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ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - Local Politics

How does a TD accept our request for a PQ?

It is possible depending on the issue, the urgency and the public affairs context that a local TD will set down a PQ at your request. However, most TDs are bombarded with information, briefings and requests many of which come directly through email and post, with no direct contact with the requester. The most effective and long term strategy for maximising the opportunity to set down PQs is to engage more pro actively with TDs to secure their interest in your issues.

Steps to building effective relationships with local TDs?

While the Dáil is not the place to highlight local issues, local issues make a good starting point for contact with local TDs. Many issues which affect Traveller’s lives are common throughout all constituencies and those most in need of redress are relevant to all political representatives whose role it is to support and represent the views of their local constituents.Forward a brief on the issues: Contact your local TD by letter (email or post) and provide a short briefing on the current situation for Travellers in the County regarding Accommodation provision, Education & Training, Health and Employment etc.. Provide information on your organisation’s aims and what your vision is for Travellers within the County.Look for a meeting: Follow up by contacting the TD’s constituency office and seek a meeting with them to discuss your letter and how they can support your work and represent the needs of Travellers in the area via the broader issues in their other related roles, for example if they are a member of a special Dáil Committee. Visit the TD in their constituency clinic. Clinics are mostly held on weekends, some of which are listed further on. For specific clinic times contact their constituency office. Attend the clinic and brief them there.Make your request effective – When you meet, set out your position clearly. State 2 / 3 main points / issues and provide a corresponding real life example for each one. (Outline of Traveller ethnicity key messages enclosed ) Sample Request for a TD on Ethnicity:

We are seeking your support to bring the issue of Traveller ethnicity to the Minister for the Justice, Equality and Defence in two ways 1) by bringing it to his personal attention and 2) to set down a PQ which would ask the Minster “When will Traveller ethnicity be put before the government for a decision”

How to ensure your request is heard?

Follow up, follow up, follow up. Don’t leave your request at that. Many more lobby groups will be looking for support for their issue. Ensure to follow up any outstanding issues discussed after your meeting and give a gentle reminder of your request.

The scheduling of PQs are dictated by a rota system, the TD will know how to secure time on the rota but there may be a wait involved so don’t expect yours to happen immediately. However keep in contact with the TD to seek status of the request.

How to use Dáil and Seanad Select Committees

Committees cover all areas of Parliamentary Business and receive submissions and hear evidence from interested parties or groups, discuss and draft proposals for legislative change, print and publish minutes of evidence and related documents, require attendance of Ministers to discuss current policies and proposals for legislation. Committees are comprised of TDs and Senators depending on the Committee.Action: Check which of your local TDs is a member of a Committee relevant to Traveller issues for example those most relevant are: Education and Skills, Children and Youth Affairs, Justice Defence and Equality, Environment , Community and Local Government , Jobs Social Protection and Health

Sample Request on Ethnicity:

We are seeking your support to bring the issue of Traveller ethnicity to the Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence of which you are a member and request that the Irish Traveller Movement are invited to make a presentation on the topic.

For further information on topics arising in the Dáil / Seanad or for written and oral replies to parliamentary questions log onto www.oireachtas.ie

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Ethnicity Key Messages

Ethnicity = Difference not Separateness

Travellers experience serious inequalities with regard to high levels of unemployment, low life expectancy, a low presence in third level education, poor health outcomes and inadequate accommodation. Travellers do not have equality in the distribution of resources in Irish society such as incomes, jobs, health, education and accommodation and in relation to who holds power or has influence in Irish society. For example there are no Travellers in the Dáil, Seanad or judiciary.

Travellers’ experience of access to relationships of care, respect and solidarity with the wider society are often characterised by tension, disrespect, abuse and conflict.

The denial of Traveller ethnicity undermines any status and standing for Travellers in Irish society and while Travellers do not have status or standing, will not enjoy relationships of respect with the wider society and remain powerless in exercising any influence over decisions and experience barriers in seeking to access resources.

Recognition of ethnicity can be seen as a key to unlocking the struggle for equality for Travellers that will shape new terms on which resources are made available to them, that will shape new relationships of mutual respect with the settled community and underpin a new influence in their dealings with the state.

Traveller ethnicity recognition could provide a new and solid foundation from which to pursue equality.

Legal and Human Rights Protection

The Irish Human Rights Commission, the Irish Traveller Movement, Traveller organisations and the Equality Authority believe that the justifications offered by previous Governments for refusal to recognise Travellers as an ethnic minority do not stand up to critical analysis. • International standards and protection: Legal recognition

of Traveller ethnicity would provide important protection, security and certainty for Travellers and bring them into line with protections afforded to other ethnic groups under

ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - Media

international human rights and EU law. Explicit recognition that Travellers are covered by the EU Race Directive would offer particularly strong protection of Travellers rights.

• Inclusion in Policy: Legal status would also acknowledge and respect Travellers’ cultural identity and help to ensure that is reflected in policy decisions by Government and public bodies.

• Future protection: As human rights and EU law are constantly developing any protections that may be extended to “ethnic groups” in the future would be automatically applied to the Traveller community if granted recognition.

• Recognition in other countries: England, Wales and Scotland has recognised Irish Travellers as an ethnic minority through the courts and Northern Ireland expressly includes Irish Travellers in their equality legislation under the definition of an ethnic minority.

• More comprehensive protection: Recognising Travellers as an ethnic group would also ensure that Ireland is complying with the core principle of self-identification existing in the (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination) (CERD) identified as the relevant test for recognising an ethnic group. This provides a more comprehensive form of protection against discrimination than Irish equality legislation both in terms of types of treatment covered and the areas in which discrimination can be deemed to take place.

• Non recognition causes explicit exclusion in some treaties: Refusing to recognise Travellers as an ethnic minority also potentially takes Travellers outside the ambit of some of the other international human rights treaties Ireland has ratified. For example Traveller children are not currently entitled to rights in Article 30 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child because they are not regarded as children of an ethnic minority. Another example is where Travellers were not originally protected under the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989 or the new Press Council until the Irish Traveller Movement campaigned for their inclusion.

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ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - Media

Traveller ethnicity recognition could provide a new and solid foundation from which to pursue equality.

Enhanced Cultural recognition: Help to empower Travellers with a new standing in society and would represent a positive acknowledgement of their long shared history.

Improved access to services and structures: Create a new access for Travellers to resources including public sector services that take due account of the practical implications of cultural diversity.

Shared identity and pride: Continued denial of Traveller culture has a negative affect on the community as a whole demonstrated in many ways. Recognition would enable a shared identity and a shared pride in identity important for any community seeking to take its rightful place in the wider society.

Mutual respect and Elevation of needs in the mind set of the majority: Recognition as an ethnic minority may heighten general public awareness of the needs, rights and cultural identity of the Traveller community and enable Travellers to engage with the settled community in a context of mutual respect.

Cultural and Community Significance

1: Article 5(2)(a) of the Race Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 says: “In this Order,

‘racial grounds’ ... includes the grounds of belonging to the Irish Traveller community

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4/5 Eustace StreetDublin 2, Ireland

Tel: +353 1 679 65 77Fax: +353 1 679 65 78

Email: info@itmtrav.ieWeb: www.itmtrav.ie

15

TDs Connacht

List of TDs in Connacht

Constituency TD NamePhone(LH)- Leinster House (CO) Constituency Office/Email Address

Constituency Address

Galway East

LAB Colm Keaveney (LH) 01 6183821 (CO) 093 24070 colm.keaveney@oir.ieLower Dublin Road, Tuam Co.Galway

FG Paul Connaughton Jr (CO) 087 2354682 connaughtonpaul@hotmail.com Ballinlass, Mountbellew, GalwayFG Ciaran Cannon (LH) 01 6183185 ciaran.cannon@oireachtas.ie Carrabane, Athenry, Galway

FF Micheal Kitt (CO) 090 9678147 micheal.kitt@oireachtas.ieCastleblakeney, Ballinasloe, Galway

Galway West

FG Brian Walsh (CO) 086 833054 brianwalsh100@eircom.net 5 Drum East, Bushypark, Galway

LAB Derek Nolan (CO) 091 561006 derek.nolan@oir.ieBothar na Long, New Docks, Galway

IND Noel Grealish(LH) 01 618 4270 (CO) 091 764807 noel.grealish@oireachtas.ie

Unit 14 Briarhill Bus Pk, Galway

FG Sean Kyne (LH)(01) 6184426/ skyne@cllr.galwaycoco.ie Clydagh, Moycullen, GalwayFF Eamon O Cuiv (CO)091 562846/eamon.cuiv@oireachtas.ie Kirwin House, Flood St, GalwayMayo

FG Michelle Mulherin (CO)087 9317406/mmulherin@cllr.mayococo.ie John Street, Ballina, Co.Mayo

FG John O’Mahony (CO)086 8338017/john.omahony@oireachtas.ieD’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co Mayo

FG Michael Ring (CO)098 25734/michael.ring@oireachtas.ie Quay Street, Westport, Co MayoFF Dara Calleary (CO) 096 77613/dara.callery@oireachtas.ie 19 Pearse Street, BallinaRoscommonSouth Leitrim

FG Frank Feighan (CO) 086 8331234/frank.fehighan@oireachtas.ieBridge Street, Boyle, Co Rosscommon

INDLuke ‘Ming’ Flanagan

(CO)086 3685680/luke@lukemingflanagan.iePriory House, Barrack Street, Castlerea, Rosscommon

IND Denis Naughten (CO)086 1708800/denis.naughten@oireachtas.ieAbbey Street, Roscommon, Co Rosscommon

Sligo North Leitrim

FG Tony McLoughlin (CO)071 9110011/ tony.mcloughlin@oir.ieThe Adelaide Building, Wine Street Car Park, Sligo, Co. Sligo

FG John Perry (CO)087 2459407/john.perry@oireachtas.ie Teeling Street, Ballymote, SligoSF Michael Colreavy CO)071 9154040/michael.colreavy@oireachtas.ie 16 Upper John Street, Sligo

ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - List of TDs

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ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - List of TDs

Party TD Name County Committee NameFG Tony McLoughlin Sligo Subcommittee on Environment, Community and Local GovernmentFF Dara Callery Mayo Committee on Justice, Defence and EqualityFG Sean Kyne Galway West Subcommittee on Social ProtectionIND Denis Naughten Rosscommon Subcommittee on Children and Youth Affairs

Connacht TDs on Committees of Interest:

Party Name EmailJobs, Social Protection and Education

FG Deirdre Clune deidre.clune@oireachtas.ieLAB John Kelly john.kelly@oireachtas.ieFG Michael Mullins michael.mullins@oireachtas.ie

INDMarie Louise O’Donnell

marielouise.odonnell@oireachtas.ie

FF Averil Power averil.power@oireachtas.ieIND Feargal Quinn feargal.quinn@oireachtas.ie

Health and Children

FG Colm Burke colm.burke@oireachtas.ieIND John Crown john.crown@oireachtas.ieSF David Cullinane david.cullinane@oireachtas.ieLAB John Gilroy john.gilroy@oireachtas.ieFG Imelda Henry imelda.henry@oireachtas.ieFF Marc Mac Sharry mac.macsharry@oireachtas.ieIND Jillian Van Turnhout jillian.vanturnhout@oireachtas.ie

Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht

FG Cáit Keane cait.keane@oireachtas.ieLAB Denis Landy denis.landy@oireachtas.ieIND Fiach Mac Conghail fiach.macconghail@oireachtas.ieFG Catherine Noone catherine.noone@oireachtas.ieFF Labhrás Ó’Murchú labhras.omurchu@oireachtas.ieFF Ned O’Sullivan ned.osullivan@oireachtas.ie

Justice, Defence and Equality

LAB Ivana Bacik ivana.bacik@oireachtas.ieFG Paul Bradford paul.bradford@oireachtas.ieFG Martin Conway martin.conway@oireachtas.ieIND Rónán Mullen ronan.mullen@oireachtas.ieFF Denis O’Donovan denis.odonovan@oireachtas.ie

All Senators on Committees of Interest

15

TDs Ulster

List of TDs in Ulster

Constituency TD NamePhone(LH)- Leinster House (CO) Constituency Office/Email Address

Constituency Address

Cavan Monaghan

FG Heather Humphreys (CO)086 2380795/ hhumphreys@eircom.net Dernaroy, Newbliss, Monaghan,

FG Joe O’Reilly (CO)086 2444321/joe.oreilly@oireachtas.ie2 The Willows, Chapel Road, Bailieboro, Cavan

FG Seán Conlan (CO)042 9755500/ seanconlanfg@yahoo.ie Main Street, Ballybay, Monaghan,

SFCaoimhghin O’Caolain

(01) 6183005/caoimhghim.ocaolain@oireachtas.ie 14 Mullaghdun, Monaghan

FF Brendan Smith (CO)049 4362366/brendan.smith@oireachtas.ie 3 Carrickfern, CavanDonegal North East

FG Joe McHugh (CO)074 9164787/ joe.mchugh@oireachtas.ieClaggan, Carrigart Letterkenny, Donegal,

FGPadraig MacLouchlainn

(CO) 087 277 1958/padraig.maclochlainn@oireachtas.ieInishowen Sinn Féin, West End, Buncrana

FF Charlie McConalogue (CO)074 9373131/charlie.mcconalogue@oireachtas.ie Chapel Street, CarndonaghDonegal South West

FG Dinny McGinley (CO)074 9531025 /dinny.mcginley@oireachtas.ie Bunbeg, Letterkenny, Donegal

SF Pearse Doherty (LH)(01) 6183960/ pearse.doherty@oireachtas.ieMargheraclogher, Derrybeg, Letterkenny

IND Thomas Pringle (CO)074 9741880/thomas.pringle@oir.ieConnolly House, Bridge Street, Killybegs

ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - List of TDs

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ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - List of TDs

Party TD Name County Committee NameFF Brendan Smith Cavan/Monaghan Subcomittee on Education and SkillsFF Charlie McConalogue Donegal Subcommittee on Children and Youth Affairs

SFCaoimhghin O Caolain

Cavan/Monaghan Subcommittee on Health/Children and Youth Affairs

Ulster TDs on Committees of Interest:

Party Name EmailJobs, Social Protection and Education

FG Deirdre Clune deidre.clune@oireachtas.ieLAB John Kelly john.kelly@oireachtas.ieFG Michael Mullins michael.mullins@oireachtas.ie

IND Marie Louise O’Donnell

marielouise.odonnell@oireachtas.ie

FF Averil Power averil.power@oireachtas.ieIND Feargal Quinn feargal.quinn@oireachtas.ie

Health and Children

FG Colm Burke colm.burke@oireachtas.ieIND John Crown john.crown@oireachtas.ieSF David Cullinane david.cullinane@oireachtas.ieLAB John Gilroy john.gilroy@oireachtas.ieFG Imelda Henry imelda.henry@oireachtas.ieFF Marc Mac Sharry mac.macsharry@oireachtas.ieIND Jillian Van Turnhout jillian.vanturnhout@oireachtas.ie

Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht

FG Cáit Keane cait.keane@oireachtas.ieLAB Denis Landy denis.landy@oireachtas.ieIND Fiach Mac Conghail fiach.macconghail@oireachtas.ieFG Catherine Noone catherine.noone@oireachtas.ieFF Labhrás Ó’Murchú labhras.omurchu@oireachtas.ieFF Ned O’Sullivan ned.osullivan@oireachtas.ie

Justice, Defence and Equality

LAB Ivana Bacik ivana.bacik@oireachtas.ieFG Paul Bradford paul.bradford@oireachtas.ieFG Martin Conway martin.conway@oireachtas.ieIND Rónán Mullen ronan.mullen@oireachtas.ieFF Denis O’Donovan denis.odonovan@oireachtas.ie

All Senators on Committees of Interest

15

TDs Munster

List of TDs in Munster

ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - List of TDs

Constituency TD NamePhone(LH)- Leinster House (CO) Constituency Office/Email Address

Constituency Address

Clare

FG Pat Breen (CO)087 2422136/pat.breen@oireachtas.ie Lisduff, Ballynacally, Co ClareFG Joe Carey (CO)065 6891199/ joe.carey@oireachtas.ie 3 Thomond Villas, Clarecastle Clare

LAB Michael McNamara (LH)01 618 3000, (CO)065 6893639/ michael.mcnamara@oir.ie

Ennis Constituency Office

FF Timmy Dooley (CO)065 6891115, (LH)01 6183514/ 8 Mill Road, EnnisCork East

FG Tom Barry (CO)022 26800/ tombarryccc@gmail.comMonanimy Upper, Killavullen, Mallow Co Cork

FG David Stanton (CO)087 2349662/david.stanton@oireachtas.ie Coppingerstown, Midleton Co Cork

LAB Sean Sherlock (CO)087 7402057/sean.sherlock@oir.ieDavis (Flemings) Lane, Rear Main Street, Mallow

SF Sandra McLellan (LH) 01 618 3122/ sandra.mclellan@oireachtas.ie 136 Barrack Street, Cork City, CorkCork North Central

FG Billy Kelleher (CO)021 4502289/billykelleher@eircom.net 28A Ballyhooley Rd, Dillons Cross

FG Dara Murphy (CO)086 2533729/ dara_murphy@corkcity.ie1 Herbert Park, Gardiner's Hill Cork, Cork

LAB Kathleen Lynch (CO) 01 635 4426, 021 4399930/ kathleen.lynch@oir.ie1st Floor, Heron House, Blackpool Retail Park, Blackpool, Cork

SF Jonathan O'Brien (CO) 021 421 2233/jonathan.obrien@oireachtas.ie 52 Shandon St, CorkCork South Central

FG Jerry Buttimer (CO)086 2356892 / jerry.buttimer@oireachtas.ie25 Benvoirlich Estate, Bishopstown Co Cork

FG Simon Coveney (CO)021 4374200/ simon.coveney@oireachtas.ie Main Street, Carrigaline, CorkLAB Ciarán Lynch (CO)021 4366200/ ciaran.lynch@oir.ie Constituency Office, 29 St Patrick's

FF Micheal Martin (CO)021 4320088/michael.martin@oireachtas.ie137 Evergreen Road, Turner's Cross, Cork.

FF Michael McGrath (CO)021 4376699/michael.mcgrath@oireachtas.ie Main Street, Carrigaline, Co Cork.Cork South West

FG Jim Daly (CO)023 8858770/ jimda@eircom.net 5 Millgrove, Clonakilty, Cork, FG Noel Harrington (CO)(086)8567178/ noelharringtonccc@eircom.net Bank Place, Castletownbere, CorkLAB Michael McCarthy (CO)023 8855705/ michael.mccarthy@oireachtas.ie Milleenananig, Clonakilty RoadKerry North West / Limerick

FG Jimmy Deenihan (CO)068 40154/ jimmy.deenihan@oireachtas.ie Fingue, Lixnaw, Kerry, Lab Arthur Spring (CO) 066 71 25337/arthur.spring@oireachtas.ie Rock Street, Tralee, KerrySF Martin Ferris (LH)01 6184248/martin.ferris@oireachtas.ie 2 Moyderwell, TraleeKerry South

FG Brendan Griffin (CO)066 9795666/ brendangriffinfg@gmail.com Cahirfilane, Castlemaine, Co Kerry

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Constituency TD NamePhone(LH)- Leinster House (CO) Constituency Office/Email Address

Constituency Address

Ind Tom Fleming (LH) 01 618 3354 /tom.fleming@oireachtas.ieDáil Éireann, Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin

Ind Michael Healy-Rae (LH) 01 618 3354/michael.healy-rae@oireachtas.ieDáil Éireann, Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin

Limerick

FF Niall Collins (LH) (CO) 061 300 149, niall.collins@oireachtas.ieRed House Hill,Patrickswell, Co Limerick

FG Dan Neville (CO)086 2435536/ daniel.neville@oireachtas.ieAras Niaidh ,Kiltannan, Croagh, Limerick,

FG Patrick O'Donovan (CO)069 77998/ partrick.odonovan@oireachtas.ie24 Maiden Street, Newcastle West, Limerick,

Lab Jan O'Sullivan (CO) 061 312316 /jan.osullivan@oireachtas.ieMechanics Institute, Hartstonge St, Limerick

FF Willie O'Dea (CO)061 454488/willie.odea@oireachtas.ie 2 Glenview Gardens, FarranshoneLimerick City

FG Michael Noonan (CO)061 229350/ michael.noonan@oireachtas.ie 18 Gouldavoher Estate, Fr Russell Rd, Limerick

FG Kieran O'Donnell (CO)061 204040/ kieran.odonnell@oireachtas.ie27 William Street, Limerick City, Co Limerick

Tipperary North

FG Noel Coonan (CO)086 2427733/noel.coonan@oireachtas.ie Gortnagoona, Roscrea, Tipperary,

Lab Alan Kelly (CO)067 34190/ alan.kelly@oireachtas.ieNo 1 Summerhill, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary

Ind Michael Lowry (CO)0504 22022/michael.lowry@oireachtas.ie Abbey Road, Thurles, TipperaryTipperary South

FG Tom Hayes (CO)087 8105016/tom.hayes@oireachtas.ie Cahirvillahow, Golden, Tipperary, Ind Mattie McGrath (CO)052 29155/mattie.mcgrath@oireachtas.ie 2 Joyce Lane, the Quay, ClonmelInd Seamus Healy (CO) 087 280 2199/seamus.healy@oireachtas.ie 56 Queen Street, ClonmelWaterford

FG John Deasy (CO)058 43003/ john.deasy@oireachtas.ie1 Coady's Quay, Dungarvan, Waterford,

FG Paudie Coffey (CO)051 853867/ paudie.coffey@oireachtas.ie Mount Bolton, Portlaw, Co WaterfordLab Ciara Conway (CO)058 24514/ciara.conway@oireachtas.ie 36 Mary Street, DungarvanInd John Halligan (CO) 051 871735/john.halligan@oireachtas.ie Oak Villa, Military Road, Waterford

ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - List of TDs

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ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - List of TDs

Party TD Name County Committee NameLAB Ciaran Lynch Cork Subcommittee on Environment, Community and Local GovernmentIND Seamus Healy Tipperary Subcommitte on HealthFF Billy Kelleher Cork Subcommitte on HealthFG Tom Hayes Tipperary Committee on Justice, Defence and EqualityFG Jerry Buttimer Cork Subcommittee on Haelth/Children and Youth AffairsFG David Stanton Cork Committee on Justice, Defence and EqualityLAB Ciara Conway Waterford Subcommittees on Health/Children and Youth AffairsIND Mattie McGrath Tipperary Subcommittee on Children and Youth AffairsFG Michael Creed Cork Committee on Justice, Defence and EqualitySF Johnathan O'Brien Cork Committee on Justice, Defence and EqualityFF Niall Collins Limerick Subcommittee on Environment, Community and Local GovernmentFG Noel Coonan Tipperary Subcommittee on Environment, Community and Local GovernmentFG Patrick O'Donovan Limerick Subcommittee on Environment, Community and Local GovernmentFG Aine Collins Cork Subcommittee on Education and SkillsIND Tom Fleming Kerry Subcommittee on Education and Skills

Munster TDs on Committees of Interest:

Party Name EmailJobs, Social Protection and Education

FG Deirdre Clune deidre.clune@oireachtas.ieLAB John Kelly john.kelly@oireachtas.ieFG Michael Mullins michael.mullins@oireachtas.ie

IND Marie Louise O’Donnell

marielouise.odonnell@oireachtas.ie

FF Averil Power averil.power@oireachtas.ieIND Feargal Quinn feargal.quinn@oireachtas.ie

Health and Children

FG Colm Burke colm.burke@oireachtas.ieIND John Crown john.crown@oireachtas.ieSF David Cullinane david.cullinane@oireachtas.ieLAB John Gilroy john.gilroy@oireachtas.ieFG Imelda Henry imelda.henry@oireachtas.ieFF Marc Mac Sharry mac.macsharry@oireachtas.ieIND Jillian Van Turnhout jillian.vanturnhout@oireachtas.ie

Party Name EmailEnvironment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht

FG Cáit Keane cait.keane@oireachtas.ieLAB Denis Landy denis.landy@oireachtas.ieIND Fiach Mac Conghail fiach.macconghail@oireachtas.ieFG Catherine Noone catherine.noone@oireachtas.ieFF Labhrás Ó’Murchú labhras.omurchu@oireachtas.ieFF Ned O’Sullivan ned.osullivan@oireachtas.ie

Justice, Defence and Equality

LAB Ivana Bacik ivana.bacik@oireachtas.ieFG Paul Bradford paul.bradford@oireachtas.ieFG Martin Conway martin.conway@oireachtas.ieIND Rónán Mullen ronan.mullen@oireachtas.ieFF Denis O’Donovan denis.odonovan@oireachtas.ie

All Senators on Committees of Interest

18

19

4/5 Eustace StreetDublin 2, Ireland

Tel: +353 1 679 65 77Fax: +353 1 679 65 78

Email: info@itmtrav.ieWeb: www.itmtrav.ie

15

TDs Leinster

List of TDs in Leinster

ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - List of TDs

Constituency TD NamePhone(LH)- Leinster House (CO) Constituency Office/Email Address

Constituency Address

Carlow / Kilkenny

FG Pat Deering (CO)086 8658293/ patdeering@eircom.net Ballyoliver, Rathvilly Co Carlow, Carlow, FG Phil Hogan (CO)086 2619986/ philip.hogan@oireachtas.ie 1 High Street, Kilkenny, Kilkenny,

FG John Paul Phelan (CO)059 7793210/ johnpaul.phelan@oireachtas.ie 25 Market Street, Thomastown, Kilkenny

LAB Ann Phelan (CO)086 3294420/ annmphelan@oireachtas.ie18 Patrick Street, Kilkenney, Co Kilkenny

FF John McGuinness (CO)087 2855834/info@johnmcguinness.ie O’Loughlin Road, KilkennyKildare North

FG Bernard Durkan (LH)(01) 6183191/bernard.durkan@oireachtas.ie Timard, Maynooth, Co Kildare, Kildare,

FG Anthony Lawlor (LH)(01) 6183007/lawlora@eircom.net14 River Lawns, Kill, Co Kildare, Kildare,

Lab Emmet Stagg (CO) 01 627 2149/emmet.stagg@oireachtas.ie 736 Lodge Park, Straffan ,Kildare

Ind Catherine Murphy (CO)(01) 6156625/catherine.murphy@oireachtas.ieUnit 4, The Post House, Leixlip Shopping Mall, Main Street, Leixlip

Kildare South

FG Martin Heydon (CO)087 6262546/ martinheydonfg@gmail.com Blackrath Castle, Colbinstown, Kildare, Lab Jack Wall (CO) 059 863 2874 /jack.wall@oireachtas.ie Castlemitchell, Athy, KildareFF Sean O Fearghail (CO)059 8634805/seanofearghail@oireachtas.ie 4 Offaly Street, Athy, Co. KildareLaois / Offaly

FGMarcella Corcoran-Kennedy

(CO)087 6330039/ corcorankennedy@eircom.net Oakley Park, Clareen, Birr, Offaly,

FG Charlie Flanagan (CO)057 8620232/charlie.flanagan@oir.ieGlenlahan, Stradbally Road, Portlaoise, Laois,

SF Brian Stanley (LH) 01 618 3987/brian.stanley@oireachtas.ieDáil Eireann, Leinster House, Kildare St, Dublin

FF Barry Cowan (CO)057 9321976/ cowenconstituencyoffice@gmail.comGrand Canal House, William Street, Tullamore, Co. Offaly

FF Sean Fleming (CO)057 8732692/ sean.fleming@oireachtas.ie Silveracre, Castletown, Portlaoise, LaoisLongford / Westmeath

FG James Bannon (CO)087 2031816/james.bannon@oireachtas.ie Newtown House, Legan, LongfordFG Nicky McFadden (CO)090 64 780 /nicky.mcfadden@oireachtas.ie Sean Costello St, Athlone, Westmeath

Lab Willie Penrose (CO) 044 93 73264/willie.penrose@oireachtas.ieConvent Lane, Bishop Gate Street, Mullingar, Westmeath

FF Robert Troy (CO)044 9334857/robert.troy@oireachtas.ie Dominic Street, Mullingar, WestmeathLouth

FG Peter Fitzpatrick (CO)086 2512577/peterm.fitzpatrick@oireachtas.ie 2 Court House Square, Dundalk, LouthFG Fergus O'Dowd (LH)(01) 6183078/ fergus.odowd@finegael.ie Unit 6, 84 West Street, Drogheda, LouthLab Gerald Nash (CO)041 981 0811/gerald.nash@oireachtas.ie 115 Newfield, Drogheda, Louth

16

Constituency TD NamePhone(LH)- Leinster House (CO) Constituency Office/Email Address

Constituency Address

SF Gerry Adams (CO)042 932 8859/gerry.adams@oireachtas.ie Williamsons Place, Dundalk, LouthFF Seamus Kirk (CO)042 9331032/seamus.kirk@oireachtas.ie Rathiddy, Knockbridge, DundalkMeath East

FG Regina Doherty (CO)087 2680182/regina.doherty@finegael.ie Unit 2, Main Street, Rathoath, Meath,

FG Shane McEntee (CO)041 9882727/shane.mcentee@oireachtas.ieNo.3 Copper Beech, Duleek, Co Meath, Meath,

Lab Dominic Hannigan (CO) 01 835 3871/dominic.hannigan@oireachtas.ie 6 Civic Square, Ashbourne, MeathLimerick City

FG Damien English (CO)046 9071667/denglish@oireachtas.ie 20 Watergate Street, Navan, Co MeathSF Peadar Tobin (CO)046 902 1345 peadartoibin@gmail.com 45A Flower Hill, Navan

FG Ray Butler (CO)087 2596680/ray.butler@oir.ie1 St Martin's House, Finnegan's Way, Tirm, Co Meath

Tipperary North

FG Noel Coonan (CO)086 2427733/noel.coonan@oireachtas.ie Gortnagoona, Roscrea, Tipperary,

Lab Alan Kelly (CO)067 34190/ alan.kelly@oireachtas.ieNo 1 Summerhill, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary

Ind Michael Lowry (CO)0504 22022/michael.lowry@oireachtas.ie Abbey Road, Thurles, TipperaryWexford

FG Paul Kehoe (CO)087 2021383/ paul.kehoe@oireachtas.ie Bree, Enniscorthy, Wexford,

FG Liam Twomey (01) 6184299/ liam.twomey@oireachtas.ieRosslare Medical Centre, Rosslare, Wexford,

Lab Brendan Howlin (CO)053 9124036/brendan.howlin@oir.ie Coolcotts, Wexford

FF John Browne (CO)053 92 35046/john.browne@oireachtas.ieLower Church Street, Enniscorthy, Wexford

Ind Mick Wallace (LH)(01) 618 3287/ mick.wallace@oir.ieDáil Eireann, Leinster House, Kildare St, Dublin

Wicklow

FG Andrew Doyle (CO)086 8370088/ andrew.doyle@oireachtas.ie Lickeen, Roundwood, WicklowFG Simon Harris (LH)(01) 6183805/simon.harris@oireachtas.ie Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2FG Billy Timmins (CO)087 8159090/billy.timmins@oireachtas.ie Sruhaun, Baltinglass, Wicklow, LAB Anne Ferris (CO)(01) 2764699/anne.ferris@oir.ie 115 Main Street, Bray, Co WicklowInd Stephen Donnelly (LH)(01) 618 4293/ stephen.donnelly@oireachtas.ie Church Road, Greystones

ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - List of TDs

17

ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - List of TDs

Party TD Name County Committee NameFG Regina Doherty Meath Subcommittee on Children and Youth AffairsFG Nicky McFadden Longford/ Westmeath Subcomittees on Education and Skills/Social ProtectionFG Peter Fitzpatrick Louth Subcommittee on HealthFG Ray Butler Meath Subcommittee on Social ProtectionFF Barry Cowen Offaly Subcommittee on Social ProtectionFG Damien English Meath Subcomittees on Education and Skills/Social ProtectionFG James Bannon Longford/ Westmeath Subcommittee on Environment, Community and Local GovernmentSF Brian Stanley Offaly Subcommittee on Environment, Community and Local GovernmentIND Catherine Murphy Kildare Subcommittee on Environment, Community and Local GovernmentLAB Anne Ferris Wicklow Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality

Leinster TDs on Committees of Interest:

Party Name EmailJobs, Social Protection and Education

FG Deirdre Clune deidre.clune@oireachtas.ieLAB John Kelly john.kelly@oireachtas.ieFG Michael Mullins michael.mullins@oireachtas.ie

IND Marie Louise O’Donnell

marielouise.odonnell@oireachtas.ie

FF Averil Power averil.power@oireachtas.ieIND Feargal Quinn feargal.quinn@oireachtas.ie

Health and Children

FG Colm Burke colm.burke@oireachtas.ieIND John Crown john.crown@oireachtas.ieSF David Cullinane david.cullinane@oireachtas.ieLAB John Gilroy john.gilroy@oireachtas.ieFG Imelda Henry imelda.henry@oireachtas.ieFF Marc Mac Sharry mac.macsharry@oireachtas.ieIND Jillian Van Turnhout jillian.vanturnhout@oireachtas.ie

Party Name EmailEnvironment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht

FG Cáit Keane cait.keane@oireachtas.ieLAB Denis Landy denis.landy@oireachtas.ieIND Fiach Mac Conghail fiach.macconghail@oireachtas.ieFG Catherine Noone catherine.noone@oireachtas.ieFF Labhrás Ó’Murchú labhras.omurchu@oireachtas.ieFF Ned O’Sullivan ned.osullivan@oireachtas.ie

Justice, Defence and Equality

LAB Ivana Bacik ivana.bacik@oireachtas.ieFG Paul Bradford paul.bradford@oireachtas.ieFG Martin Conway martin.conway@oireachtas.ieIND Rónán Mullen ronan.mullen@oireachtas.ieFF Denis O’Donovan denis.odonovan@oireachtas.ie

All Senators on Committees of Interest

18

19

4/5 Eustace StreetDublin 2, Ireland

Tel: +353 1 679 65 77Fax: +353 1 679 65 78

Email: info@itmtrav.ieWeb: www.itmtrav.ie

15

TDs Dublin

List of TDs in Dublin

ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - List of TDs

Constituency TD NamePhone(LH)- Leinster House (CO) Constituency Office/Email Address

Constituency Address

Dublin Central

FG Paschal Donohoe (CO)086 8116902/ paschal.donohoe@oireachtas.ie 86 Shandon Park, Phibsborough, Dublin

Lab Joe Costello (LH) 01 618 3896/ joe.costello@oireachtas.ie

75 Lr Sean Mac Dermott Street Mon 6:30-8:30, Community Centre, Prussia Street Mon 5:30-6:30, Community Room, Teeling Way, East Road Mon 8:30-9:30, The Breffni Inn, Ashtown Grove, Navan Road Sat 11-12, McGrath's Pub, Fassaugh Avenue, Cabra Sat 12-1

SF Mary Lou McDonald (CO)(01) 868 3934/dublincentralsf@gmail.com 58 Faussagh Avenue, Cabra, Dublin 7

Ind Maureen O'Sullivan (CO)(01) 6183488/ maureen.osullivan@oireachtas.ieLeinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin, 2

Dublin Mid-West

FG Frances Fitzgerald (CO)(01) 4577712/ frances.fitzgerald@oireachtas.ie Laurel House, Clondalkin Dublin

FG Derek Keating (LH)(01) 6184014/ derek.keating@oireachtas.ie66 Beech Park, Lucan Co Dublin, Dublin,

Lab Robert Dowds (CO) 01 405 6895/robert.dowds@oireachtas.ie

3 Main Street, Clondalkin, Mon 10am and every 3rd Sat of the month from 10.30, Bawnogue Community Centre 1st Mon of the month, Neilstown Community Centre, 3rd Mon of the month 4pm, Rathcoole Community Centre 3rd Mon of the month 7pm, The Silver Granite, Palmerstown 3rd Sat of the month 12 noon

Lab Joanna Tuffy (CO) 01 621 8400/joanna.tuffy@oireachtas.ie

Bawnogue Youth and Community Centre 6pm 1st and 3rd Mon of the month, Constituency Office, Dispensary Lane, Lucan, Co. Dublin 1st and 3rd Mon of the Month at 12 noon, Quarryvale Community and Leisure Centre 1st and 3rd Mon of the month 11am

Dublin North

FG Alan Farrell (LH)(01) 6184008/ alan.farell@oir.ie 42 Biscayne, Coast Road Malahide, Dublin

FG James Reilly (LH) 01 618 3749/james.reilly@oireachtas.ie 19 Bridge St, Balbriggan Dublin, Dublin

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Constituency TD NamePhone(LH)- Leinster House (CO) Constituency Office/Email Address

Constituency Address

Lab Brendan Ryan (LH) 01 618 3421/brendan.ryan@oireachtas.ie

Balbriggan Combined Clubs, Dublin Street Sat 11am, Donabate Parish Hall, Thurs 5.30, Carnegie Library, the Green, Lusk, Thurs 8pm, Malahide:St.Sylvester's GAA Clubhouse, Church Road, Mon 11am, Rush: Community Centre, Main Street Thurs 7pm, Skerries : Carnegie Library, Strand Street, Sat 12noon, Swords: Senior Citizens Centre, Chapel Lane, Fri 5.30pm

Dublin North Central

FG Richard Bruton (LH)(01) 6183103/ richard.bruton@oireachtas.ie 210 Griffith Avenue, Dublin, Dublin,

Lab Aodhan O'Riordain (CO)(01)8574020/ aodhan.oriordain@oir.ieDáil Eireann, Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin

Ind Finian McGrath (LH)(01) 618 3031/ finian.mcgrath@oireachtas.ieDáil Eireann, Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin

Dublin North East

FG Terence Flanagan (CO)087 9952031/terence.flanagan@oireachtas.ie74 Old Malahide Road, Dublin Five, Dublin,

IND Tommy Broughan (LH) 01 6183557 thomaspbroughan@oireachtas.ie

Baldoyle House (Graingers)/Racecourse Inn, Racecourse S.C., 1st/3rd Sat every month at 2.45pm, Bayside Shopping Centre, 1st/3rd Sat every month 2pm, Clonshaugh Shopping Centre every Sat 10am, Concorde, Edenmore S.C 2nd/4th Fri at 7pm, Darndale Tenants and Residents Association every Mon at 11am, Donagmede Shopping Centre every Sat at 11.30am, Foxhound Inn Greendale S.C. 2nd/4th Fri 7.45pm, Madigans, Kilbarrack Shopping Centre every Sat 1pm, Marine Hotel, Sutton 2nd/4th Fri 8.30pm, Pier House, Howth/Golf Links Inn Portmarnock (2nd Friday), 2nd/4th Fri 9pm

Lab Sean Kenny (LH) 016183744, (CO) 0868126340/ sean.kenny@oir.ie 44 Woodbine Road, Raheny

ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - List of TDs

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ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - List of TDs

Dublin North West

Lab John Lyons (LH)01 618 3280/john.lyons@oireachtas.ie

Axis Theatre, Ballymun Monday 10am, The Deputy Mayor Pub, St. Margaret's Road, Meakstown Monday 12 noon, Labour Party Office, Main Street, Finglas, Friday 10am

Lab Roisin Shortall (CO) 01 837 0563/roisin.shortall@oireachtas.ieLabour Party Office, Main Street, Finglas, Monday 10am, The Viscount, Swords Road, Monday 12.30

SF Dessie Ellis (CO) 01 834 3390/dessie.ellis@oireachtas.ieDáil Eireann, Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin

Dublin South

FG Olivia Mitchell (LH)(01)6183088/olivia.mitchell@oireachtas.ieLeinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin, 2

FG Alan Shatter (LH)(01) 6183911/ alan.shatter@oireachtas.ie57 Delbrook Manor, Dundrum Dublin 16, Dublin,

FG Peter Mathews (LH)(01) 618 4443/ peter.mathews@oireachtas.ie Dáil Éireann, Leinster House, Dublin, Lab Alex White (LH)(01)6183972/ alex.white@oireachtas.ie Dáil Éireann, Leinster House, Dublin, Ind Shane Ross (LH)(01) 6183014/ shane.ross@oireachtas.ie Dáil Éireann, Leinster House, Dublin, Dublin South Central

FG Catherine Byrne (01) 6183083/ catherine.byrne@oireachtas.ie30 Bulfin Road, Inchicore Dublin Eight, Dublin,

Lab Michael Conaghan (LH)01 618 4033/michael.conaghan@oireachtas.ieTim Young's Pub, Le Fanu Road, Ballyfermot, Saturday 11am - 12 noon

Lab Eric Byrne (LH) 01 618 3223/eric.byrne@oireachtas.ie 146 Sundrive Road, Wednesday 7pmSF Aengus O'Snodaigh (LH)(01) 6184084/ aengus.osnodaigh@oireachtas.ie 347 Ballyfermot Road, BallyfermotInd Joan Collins (CO)086 388 8151/ joan.collins@peoplebeforeprofit.ie 10A Old County Road, Dublin 12Dublin South East

FG Lucinda Creighton (CO) 086 6009296/ lucinda.creighton@oir.ie75 Wilfield Road, Sandymount Dublin 4, Dublin,

FG Eoghan Murphy (C0) 086 0863832/ eoghan.murphy@oir.ie Leinster House, Kildare Street

Lab Ruari Quinn (LH) 01 618 3434/ruari.quinn@oir.ie

Kevin Street, 4th Sat of the month, 12noon, St Andrews Resource Centre, Pearse Street, Wed 8pm, Ringsend Community Centre, Thorncastle Street, Wed 7pm

Lab Kevin Humphreys (LH) 01 618 3224/kevin.humphreys@oireachtas.ieRingsend Community Centre, Thurs 8pm, St. Andrews Resource Centre Pearse Street, Thurs 7pm

Dublin South Wesr

FG Brian Hayes (LH) (01) 6183567/brian.hayes@oireachtas.ie48 Dunmore Park, Kingswood Heights Tallaght, Dublin,

LAB Pat Rabbitte (LH) 01 618 3772/pat.rabbitte@oireachtas.ie Sat 2pm onwards, CIC Tallagh

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ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - List of TDs

LAB Eamonn Maloney (LH) 01 6183588/eamonn.maloney@oireachtas.ieDominick Community Centre, Avonbeg Gardens, Tallagh, Mon 6-7pm

LAB Anne Ferris (CO)(01) 2764699/anne.ferris@oir.ie 115 Main Street, Bray, Co WicklowSF Sean Crowe (CO) 01 457 9913/sean.crowe@oireachtas.ie Dáil Éireann, Leinster House, Dublin, Dublin West

FG Leo Varadkar (CO) 087 2249153/leo.varadkar@oireachtas.ie30 Rosehaven, Carpenterstown,Dublin 16

LAB Joan Burton (LH)01 6184006/joan.burton@oireachtas.ie Dáil Éireann, Leinster House, Dublin, IND Patrick Nulty patrick.nulty@oireachtas.ie Dáil Éireann, Leinster House, Dublin, ULA Joe Higgins (CO) 01 6183370/joe.higgins@oireachtas.ieDun Laoghaire

FG Seán Barrett (CO)01 2845333/sean.barrett@oireachtas.ie2-3 Rogans Court, Patrick Street, Dun Laoghaire

FGMary Mitchell-O'Connor

(CO) 086 8186725/mary.mitchelloconnor@oireachtas.ie 31 Maple Manor, Cabinteely, Dublin

LAB Eamon Gilmore (CO) 01 408 2018/eamon.gilmore@oireachtas.iePark House, Library Road, Mondays 9.30am

ULA Richard Boyd Barrett (LH) (01)6183449; (CO) 0867814520/ Dáil Éireann, Leinster House, Dublin,

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ITM Newsletter - June 2012 - List of TDs

Party TD Name County Committee NameLAB Aodhan O Riordain Dublin North Central Subcomittee on Education and SkillsFG Catherine Byrne Dublin South Central Subcommittee on Children and Youth AffairsLAB Eamonn Maloney Dublin South West Subcommittee on Children and Youth AffairsFG Alan Farrell Dublin North Committee on Justice, Defence and EqualityLAB Sean Kenny Dublin North East Committee on Justice, Defence and EqualityLAB Robert Dowds Dublin Mid-West Subcommittee on HealthFG Derek Keating Dublin Mid-West Subcommittee on HealthIND Joan Collins Dublin South Central Subcommittee on Social ProtectionSF Aengus O' Snodaigh Dublin South Central Subcommittee on Social ProtectionLAB Brendan Ryan Dublin North Subcommittee on Social ProtectionIND Finian McGrath Dublin North Central Committee on Justice, Defence and EqualityLAB Kevin Humphreys Dublin South East Subcommittee on Environment, Community and Local GovernmentSF Sean Crowe Dublin South West Subcomittee on Education and SkillsLAB John Lyons Dublin North West Subcomittees on Education and Skills/Social Protection

FGMary Mitchell O'Connor

Dun Laoghaire Subcomittee on Education and Skills

Dublin TDs on Committees:

Party Name EmailJobs, Social Protection and Education

FG Deirdre Clune deidre.clune@oireachtas.ieLAB John Kelly john.kelly@oireachtas.ieFG Michael Mullins michael.mullins@oireachtas.ie

IND Marie Louise O’Donnell

marielouise.odonnell@oireachtas.ie

FF Averil Power averil.power@oireachtas.ieIND Feargal Quinn feargal.quinn@oireachtas.ie

Health and Children

FG Colm Burke colm.burke@oireachtas.ieIND John Crown john.crown@oireachtas.ieSF David Cullinane david.cullinane@oireachtas.ieLAB John Gilroy john.gilroy@oireachtas.ieFG Imelda Henry imelda.henry@oireachtas.ieFF Marc Mac Sharry mac.macsharry@oireachtas.ieIND Jillian Van Turnhout jillian.vanturnhout@oireachtas.ie

Party Name EmailEnvironment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht

FG Cáit Keane cait.keane@oireachtas.ieLAB Denis Landy denis.landy@oireachtas.ieIND Fiach Mac Conghail fiach.macconghail@oireachtas.ieFG Catherine Noone catherine.noone@oireachtas.ieFF Labhrás Ó’Murchú labhras.omurchu@oireachtas.ieFF Ned O’Sullivan ned.osullivan@oireachtas.ie

Justice, Defence and Equality

LAB Ivana Bacik ivana.bacik@oireachtas.ieFG Paul Bradford paul.bradford@oireachtas.ieFG Martin Conway martin.conway@oireachtas.ieIND Rónán Mullen ronan.mullen@oireachtas.ieFF Denis O’Donovan denis.odonovan@oireachtas.ie

All Senators on Committees of Interest

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