The Galway Traveller Movement are encouraging their community to get out and vote on the family and care referendums on 8 March.
It comes ahead of a visit to a resource centre this afternoon by the Chair of Ireland’s independent Electoral Commission, Ms Justice Marie Baker, to kickstart the independent information campaign.
Ms Justice Baker will visit the Ballybane Resource Centre to meet members of the Traveller community in Co Galway who have been active in promoting electoral participation within the community.
Margaret O’Riada and Martin Ward are joint coordinators of the Galway Traveller Movement.
They are keen for members of the Traveller community to “reclaim their voice” and engage in the electoral process with a focus on the forthcoming local elections.
They will speak to Judge Baker about the work of the Galway Traveller Movement and she will hear firsthand about what they say are “ongoing difficulties faced by marginalised groups in participating in politics and democracy”.
Judge Baker has said the referendums offer people a choice to maintain or change how the Constitution recognises the concept of the family unit and the role of people who care for their family members.
The Government said these votes are about “constitutional catch-up” and reflect modern-day values with more gender-neutral language
Ms Justice Baker said it was important that voters differentiate between fact and fiction and be conscious of where their information is coming from.
The Commission is responsible for explaining the issues to be voted on and for encouraging people to get out and vote.
As part of the information campaign, explanatory booklets will be sent to all households across the country.
Director of the Irish Traveller Movement Bernard Joyce said: “Travellers voting in this, and all referenda, is very important and we encourage the community to take part in the upcoming campaign on the Constitutional amendments proposed.”
Mr Joyce said both amendments “have the potential to be significant for Travellers”.
“This week, the Irish Traveller Movement raised with the Electoral Commission the need to undertake Traveller research, consult with the community and provide political education supports in view of the Commission’s forthcoming research programme which will also examine obstacles experienced by underrepresented groups in participating in politics and democracy,” he said.
