The Government is standing over its decision not to reconvene the Oireachtas committee focused on issues facing the Traveller community with Independent Senator Eileen Flynn as its chair.
Senator Flynn, who was the first Traveller ever to be elected to the Seanad, had expressed disappointment at the move, saying: "Lived experience brings an invaluable perspective that cannot be replicated through well-intentioned advocacy."
In a statement last Thursday, she said: "The potential absence of a Traveller voice chairing, or even sitting on this committee constitutes a fundamental failure of representative democracy."
However, the Government says all 28 Oireachtas committees were available through the d'Hondt selection process last Wednesday, at the Committee on Standing Orders and Dáil reform, and there was no dissent from either a party or a grouping.
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The Government says removing one committee from the d'Hondt process would have meant the Opposition being denied a committee chair as the Social Democrats and Labour made the final two choices.
In the event, Labour chose to chair the Oireachtas committee focused on issues facing the Traveller community - although it is yet to be clarified who the party will appoint.
Labour has declined to comment, so far, on the issue.
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."
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.
