Traveller movement wants local authorities to do more

Traveller representatives expressed disappointment at yesterday's High Court ruling and called on local authorities to do more to meet the needs of members of the community living in cold and damp conditions.

Damien Peelo, director of the Irish Traveller Movement, said Paddy (75) and Bridget (70) Doherty were devastated by the outcome. "When they started out trying to get a new caravan, it was two winters ago. Bridget had a respiratory condition and was using a nebuliser. I didn't think she would last another winter. Two years on, she's still in the same caravan with the same condition."

Last night, the couple were preparing to spend another night in their caravan at a halting site in Clondalkin, surrounded by three electric heaters. Mr Doherty, who is suffering from a cold, was wrapped in a blanket, while Mrs Doherty was wearing several layers of coats and jackets. "This isn't about opening up the floodgates," said Mr Peelo. "It's about having the same access as a settled person to the same level of service, even if it is different."

Niall Crowley, chief executive of the Equality Authority - which acted as an amicus curiae, or friend of the court, in the case - also expressed disappointment at the ruling. He said the judgment reflected a limited interpretation of equal treatment.

"Equal treatment cannot be confined to treating people the same. Treating people the same in a context where their circumstances and needs are different can be discriminatory," he said.

Equal treatment under the Housing Acts should involve a response by local authorities that makes necessary adjustments for the particular needs and circumstances of Travellers who are deemed homeless, he said.