There should be a designated place for members of the Travelling community in the Seanad, members of the upper house have heard.
Traveller groups have been speaking in the Seanad today for the first time since they were recognised as an ethnic minority in March 2017.
During today's submissions, several issues were discussed - including Traveller participation in politics.
Director of the Irish Traveller Movement, Bernard Joyce, said the government must represent all members of society.
He suggested: "There should be a designated place for Travellers in the Seanad, elected by the community.
"A rapporteur for Travellers should be appointed to the houses of the Oireachtas."
Mr Joyce argued that members of the community have been 'alienated from mainstream systems of governance'.
The call for the creation of a Seanad seat was echoed by Trinity PhD student Patrick McDonagh, who believes it could make an "important difference" for strengthening Travellers' participation in politics.
Mental health issues
Other issues were discussed during the hearing, including mental health issues in the Travelling community.
Minnie Connors from the Wexford Traveller Development Group told senators: "My beautiful sister Alice took her own life last year - she was 24 years of age.
"She was the ninth suicide in my family in the last 30 years.
"Suicide in the Travelling community is seven to ten times higher than in the settled community. In spite of this, governments do nothing to deal with the crisis."
Meanwhile, Martin Collins from Pavee Point told the Seanad there is one core issue for Travellers in Ireland.
He explained: "Racism, without a shadow of a doubt... racism at both the individual level and the institutional level.
"We see the manifestations of that racism... the poor living conditions... the low education attainment, high unemployment rate."
He added: "If we're serious about addressing these issues and supporting the inclusion of Travellers and respecting the human rights of Travellers... let's name it for what it is and stop pussy-footing around."
The issues discussed today will be considered in a report as part of efforts to create a fair Ireland for members of the Travelling community.
