Traveller Resource Centre (DLR)

Welcome to our new policy blog - here we provide a real-time analysis of the key policy issues facing Travellers in Dun Laoghaire / Rathdown. For more information or to discuss these issues in more detail, contact us at the resource centre. We would appreciate if you would raise this issue with your colleagues and partners and stress the importance of ensuring that within the current economic climate we do not lose sight of the importance of equality for Travellers.

I was looking back to see if you were looking back at me to see me looking back at you...CCTV on sites causes contention (October 2010)

Over the past number of months, it has come to our attention that Travellers across the county have some significant concerns around the installation of CCTV on sites and in group housing schemes. Some community members are happy with the development, as they see it as a way for illegal dumping (a longtime issue on and around Traveller specific accommodation around the country) to be monitored and for their own protection from spurious allegations. For others, the installation of the cameras causes significant concerns about their right to privacy. Our Advocacy and Accomodation team are currently in the process of developing a collective response which they hope will resonate with all community members. From our perspective, a recent incident on Nutgrove site where significant damage was done to the home of a community member who was away with a seriously ill relative raised particular concern, as whilst the cameras are visible, there seemed to be no way of using them to identify those responsible for the damage. Councillor Denis O'Callaghan is working with our team to raise the issue at Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee level. In addition, our Director has tabled the issue for the agenda of the next Housing Strategic Policy Committee in December.

Equality of Educational Access and Progression : Policy Changes to LTI Eligibility Criteria Impact Traveller Women in Education Programmes (April 2010)

Southside Travellers - in partnership with its partner Traveller organisations throughout Ireland and community and voluntary organisations throughout Dun Laoghaire / Rathdown - is calling on government to reassess the particular impact of changes to eligibility criteria for women participating in the Local Training Initiative facilitated by VEC Tutors.

Essentially, these changes will have a particular and excluding impact on Traveller women who are considered, for social welfare purposes, dependent spouses and who have not sought individuation. In addition to the impact of the withdrawal of the training allowance - a relatively small amount which facilitates women to pay childcare, travel and meal costs - the fourteen women on the programme in Southside Travellers face the prospect of being denied continuing progression through the FETAC accredited courses they are currently completing. The Director of Southside Travellers, our Education Programme Manager and programme participants will attend a meeting in the Irish Traveller Movement on Wednesday next, to prepare delegates who are meeting Minister O'Cuiv to discuss this issue.

We would appreciate if you would raise this issue with your colleagues and partners and stress the importance of ensuring that within the current economic climate we do not lose sight of the importance of educational equality for Travellers.