Independent Senator, Eileen Flynn, has expressed disappointment at a Government decision not to reconvene the Oireachtas Committee focused on issues facing the Traveller community, with her as chair.
In a statement, she said: "I have been actively advocating for this committee to be reconvened, receiving significant support from colleagues across the political spectrum.
"The potential absence of a Traveller voice chairing, or even sitting on this committee constitutes a fundamental failure of representative democracy."
Senator Flynn became the first Traveller elected to the Seanad earlier this year, after becoming the first Traveller woman appointed to the Seanad in 2020 - a nomination decision taken by Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
Today Senator Flynn said she was disappointed that the Oireachtas committee focused on issues facing the Traveller community was included in the standard D'hondt system and was ultimately allocated to the Labour Party.
In a statement before that allocation became known, Senator Flynn said: "The Government's decision to reverse this accommodation without consultation demonstrates a troubling disregard for the principle of "nothing for us, without us", a principle that has guided my advocacy work and should be at the heart of inclusive policy making."
She added: "Lived experience brings an invaluable perspective that cannot be replicated through well-intentioned advocacy."
Senator Flynn said she extended her "cautious good wishes" to whoever became chair.
"While deeply disappointed, I remain committed to representing Traveller perspectives in the Oireachtas and ensuring that policies affecting Travellers are involved."
