Sir, – In all but name and comprehensive legal protection, Irish Travellers already constitute an ethnic group with a distinct culture, traditions, long shared history, language and customs that make them “self-identify” as a separate group and be identified by the majority Irish population as a separate group to which they do not belong.
Travellers – uniquely in Ireland – have a dual identity being Irish and Traveller.
Travellers born abroad are still Irish Travellers – ethnicity over residency or citizenship. Being afforded ethnic status would not reduce their status as Irish.
In the UK, Irish Travellers have been recognised as an ethnic minority “distinct from non-Traveller Irish people” since 2000 and 1997 in Northern Ireland. With no ill consequences accruing.
Travellers should be accorded their right to “self identify” as a positive and progressive strategy for broader inclusion and greater legal protection.
Acknowledgement by the State could help create the right conditions for enhanced community respect, a rightful symbolic and overdue gesture which has potential to shape new relationships and enhanced engagement with the State and others.
Seán McDonagh (Letters, “Travellers and Ethnic Identity”, November 20th), writes “To declare them a distinct ethnic group risks perpetuating disadvantage.”
Recognition of Traveller ethnicity is not a panacea, however it is at the heart of how Travellers might become less unequal in Irish society.
Perpetuating disadvantage is not a threat derived from recognition, rather it is a “re-righting” of a wrong in which Travellers are frequently treated as criminals, untouchables, violent and an underclass. Where the actions of a minority of Travellers have led to stereotyping of all Travellers.
The protection of ethnic identity is well grounded in international law. The State’s anomalous position of offering no adequate legal protection in the face of international recommendations, and a desire by most Travellers as stated over 20 years, is inadequate and out of sync with human rights standards. – Yours, etc, JACINTA BRACK, Irish Traveller Movement, 4-5 Eustace Street, Dublin 2.