The Government has defended its decision not to reconvene the Oireachtas committee on Traveller issues with Independent Senator Eileen Flynn as chair.
Senator Flynn, who made history as the first Traveller elected to the Seanad, expressed disappointment at the decision. “Lived experience brings an invaluable perspective that cannot be replicated through well-intentioned advocacy,” she stated last Thursday.
She further emphasized that “the potential absence of a Traveller voice chairing, or even sitting on this committee constitutes a fundamental failure of representative democracy.”
In response, the Government explained that all 28 Oireachtas committees were distributed through the d’Hondt selection process last Wednesday at the Committee on Standing Orders and Dáil reform, with no objections raised by any party or grouping.
According to the Government, making an exception for one committee would have resulted in the Opposition losing a committee chair, as the Social Democrats and Labour made the final two selections in the process.
Labour ultimately chose to chair the Oireachtas committee on Traveller issues, though the party has not yet announced who will be appointed to the position. Labour has so far declined to comment on the matter.
Despite her disappointment, Senator Flynn extended “cautious good wishes” to whoever becomes chair. “While deeply disappointed, I remain committed to representing Traveller perspectives in the Oireachtas and ensuring that policies affecting Travellers are involved,” she said.
Senator Flynn achieved another milestone earlier this year by becoming the first Traveller elected to the Seanad, following her appointment in 2020 as the first Traveller woman in the Seanad—a nomination made by then-Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
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