§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals he has to improve the treatment of travelling people in Northern Ireland. [23806]
§ Mr. MossAs I announced on 27 April 1995 it is the Government's intention to introduce legislation on race relations in Northern Ireland as soon as possible. The legislation will be introduced by Order in Council and will specifically refer to the Irish traveller community as an ethnic group. I expect to issue a draft of the legislative proposal later this year.
The Northern Ireland Department of Environment has published a review of Government policies affecting travellers in Northern Ireland. Interested parties have been consulted and Government's response to the recommendations will be published later in the year.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action has been taken to meet the accommodation needs of travellers; and how many sites(a) have been provided and (b) are planned. [23809]
§ Mr. MossTo date 10 sites have been provided, one is nearing completion and a further two sites are planned.