Press Releases
............PRESS RELEASE.....13th August 2002............
Minister of State, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Willie O'Dea today gave commitments to Traveller organisations that the Equal Status Act would not be tampered with. He also stated that he was committed to the Act and that the equality laws were achieving their objectives.
Traveller organisations also welcomed the Minister's statement that the Vintners Federation of Ireland had agreed to drop their blanket ban on Travellers in Westport and not to impose a nationwide blanket ban on Travellers.
The Minister also told Traveller organisations that he considered the language used by the Vintners Federation of Ireland to be 'inflammatory'.
"We hope that today's meetings will kick off a new approach on the part of the Vintners," said Martin Collins, Assistant Director, Pavee Point.
Previously the Vintners had refused to co-operate with the Equality Authority in drawing up 'equality codes of practice' for their members. We understand the Vintners have now agreed to engage with the Equality Authority on this," said Mr. Collins.
"Any situation regarding bad behaviour in pubs can be and should be dealt with under Public Order legislation. Equality legislation has no remit in this area. All alleged incidents should be reported to the Gardai and should be investigated and prosecuted," reiterated Mr. Collins.
ENDS.