Travellers a 'distinct ethnic group'

The Equality Authority is calling on the Government to recognise Travellers as a separate ethnic group.

In 1994, a government report argued that Travellers do not constitute a distinct group in terms of ethnic origin.

However, the Equality Authority has published a new report which goes against this stance.

It is now calling on the Government to recognise Travellers as an ethic group and change its policies, programmes and practices to take account of this.