TAOISEACH ENDA KENNY will tomorrow make a speech in the Dáil recognising Traveller ethnicity.

The  issue was discussed  at Cabinet today, where members were unanimously in favour of the move. It is not thought that the decision will confer additional rights on Travellers but will formalise their status.

The move comes after years of campaigning by Travellers’ groups. In November last year, Kenny said the State would support the Traveller community’s formal recognition as an ethnic group.

Last month, the Joint Committee on Justice and Equality published a report on the issue and called on the State to formally acknowledge Traveller ethnicity.

• We asked every TD if they want Travellers recognised as an ethnic minority – here’s what they said
  

Pavee Point – who represent the advocate on behalf of the Travelling community – have called for Travellers to be recognised as a minority ethnic group for many years stating that it would help Travellers attain human rights and improve living conditions.

A post from the group on Facebook said tomorrow would “mark an historic and hugely important day for Travellers”.

Comments are closed due to the number of deleted comments.

Read: Move to recognise Traveller ethnicity after long campaign shows ‘Ireland’s commitment to human rights’

Read: Pavee Point confident Traveller ethnicity will be recognised in a matter of weeks