Hogan denies Traveller prejudice

Environment Minister Phil Hogan has been accused of “pandering to prejudice” after telling constituents a Traveller family would not be housed in their area.

Labour’s Housing Minister Jan O’Sullivan said it was not the type of letter she would send out.

Mr Hogan denied accusations he had discriminated against Patrick Carthy and his family or that it amounted to an abuse of power.

He said he had merely represented his constituents and had no say in the allocation of the house in Bonnettstown, Co Kilkenny, by the local authority. The family were eventually given the house.

He said when Mr Carthy previously lived in the area with his parents and siblings in the 1990s, the family had been involved in antisocial behaviour.

“The local authority asked the family to leave some years ago when he was growing up there with... his extended family,” said Mr Hogan.

He told the council as much earlier this year when learning that Mr Carthy, his wife Brigid, and their seven children were seeking a house in the area.

“The neighbours in that area brought to my attention information which I supplied to the council last May,” said Mr Hogan. “They decided that, because of that information, they wouldn’t proceed with the allocation of the house to Patrick and his wife and his family, and that they would get alternative accommodation elsewhere for them.

“But subsequently they reviewed the situation and went ahead with the allocation of the house with conditions attached… I did not act as judge and jury.”

Mr Carthy denied being involved in antisocial behaviour and accused Mr Hogan of discrimination.

Traveller support group Pavee Point expressed dismay at Mr Hogan’s conduct and said he was “pandering to prejudice”.

“We believe all politicians and, in particular, a minister for the environment who is responsible for housing and accommodation, including for Travellers, need to show leadership and not to pander to prejudice against the Traveller community.”