Today I made history. The first, hopefully not last, Traveller to address Dáil Éireann.
I spoke on the key issues affecting the Traveller community; Health, Education, Employment and Accommodation. Now we need action.
Full speech & video:
'I'm Eileen, I'm a Traveller and a Senator. I'm not 'the Traveller' Senator "
Thank you all for the kind words about my interview on
#TheTommyTiernanShow
Available to watch here:
Lacey Mary Whyte - Born at 6:21 am on 16.9.2021 ♥️
Liam and I are over the moon. Lacey and I are well. Thank you to everyone for your well wishes and congratulations.
I should have done this earlier but I've been overwhelmed by the good wishes. I want to thank
@EamonRyan
,
@MichealMartinTD
and
@LeoVaradkar
for following through on their commitment to giving a voice to minority views in the Seanad.
Today marks 7th anniversary of the Carrickmines tradegy in which 10 members of the same family dies in a fire this was 1 of the darkest days for our community
We must remember those who lost thier lives 💔we must work to ensure this never happens again .
To all u no people using my community, I won't allow you to use us all. U people couldn't give a fxxk about us, now u try to use my community religious values, 4 ur agenda. There are lots of pro choice Traveller we are minority in a minority. I'm one. I'm small. But I'm loud
Standing in soldarity with
@hazechu
The disgusting behaviour she and her family have experienced, due to being the first person of colour to be Lord Mayor, is reprehensible!
There is NO room for racism in Ireland!
#AllAgainstRacism
It’s worth clarifying, the war in Ukraine began in February. The Irish government were failing homeless people long before then.
It’s tiring listening to calls to ‘look after our own’ from those seeking to divide and scapegoat people fleeing war. Look up, stop punching down!
1. He want from 1% to 20%. Last in polls to 2nd in polls as it stands now. No words can explain the hurt . Can't stop thinking about our children and young people. I hope Travellers remain strong and defiant through all this . Is this the real Ireland?
1. Happy Traveller pride to every Traveller in Ireland and beyond. This year its brilliant to celebrate diversity within our community. The Traveller community has a long and rich history of culture, language, music and skill. Nomadism is a part of the human experience and many
Leinster House surrounded by a sea of solidarity for
#Gaza
.
Ireland’s voice is loud and clear ahead of tonight’s vote in the Dáil that there must be a
#CeasefireForGazaNOW
🇵🇸
I'm a Traveller, I'm more oppressed because of my gender like all women in my community & working class women. Not having choice effect women from ethnic minority group and working class women most in Ireland.
#Voteyes
for all women to have choice in reproductive health care 🇮🇪
7th Anniversary of Carrickmines
We remember those our community so tragically lost. While also recommitting ourselves to ensure, never again.
May they rest in peace.
This day last year, I received a call from the Taoiseach that changed my life. Despite the change, I still consider myself an activist, but now with a platform.
A platform I try to use to amplify voices not often heard or highlight issues usually overlooked.
If this bill is successful, references to ‘child pornography’ within legislation will be replaced with the term ‘child sexual exploitation material’.
Not only is this important, it’s necessary. The language currently being used has been found to be harmful.
Céad míle fáilte 💚
I have more in common with people fleeing oppression coming to Ireland than those seeking to hijack the tricolour with a toxic agenda.
Those sowing the seeds of hate, aggressively dividing with an us vs them narrative have no place on our shared island.
I'm devastated to lose out by such a narrow margin.
Thanks to the 4 wonderful TDs for nominations, thank you all who voted for me, I wouldn't have got this far without the amazing work of
@JohnnyFalafel
thank you. My best wishes to all elected on labour panel
Struggling to write this tribute; Sinead O'Connor, a voice we intimately knew, leaves an enduring impact.
Fierce in her advocacy for justice and ally to the marginalised, her courage shone amid personal strife. May she now find well-deserved peace.
#NothingComparesToYou
Ireland it's worrying times ahead for sure . Hard to believe saddened to see so many people attending this.. of course we all have rights to our opinions and beliefs. What's killing is they giving vulnerable people very false information and Creating hate in our Ireland.
RIP My Great Uncle Dan Flynn, passed away this evening aged 93 years old. One of the oldest Traveller men on the island of Ireland 93 is an exceptionally high age forTraveller man to live, sadly missed by family & Labre park community where he lived
RIP to a legend of a man.
Very excited & nervous as I start new journey as Community Development Worker with National Traveller Women’s Forum
@NTWFIRL
how lucky am I to have this opportunity follow my dreams, my passions human rights & equality for Traveller community, gender equality, women's rights ❤
Once u say but u lose me!
I'm not a racist but, I welcome refugees but.
let's be clear Ireland has both homeless & health crisis that has noting to do with migrant or refugee, don't be blaming other people for Ireland fuck ups. Migrants and refugees has so much to offer us ❤
In the near 2 years I have been in Leinster House, to get to know and build a relationship with women like Catherine Connolly is incredible.
Privileged to work and learn from such powerful change makers.
I bet all the settled community of Ireland won't be label as dirty sum. Imagine if this was some members of Traveller community we'd all be judged and label, as this and that. Be on all talk shows and news etc...
Just saying!!!!
6th Anniversary of Carrickmines
Hard to believe it has been 6 years, the pain still feels fresh. In many ways, the tragedy is like an open wound. Despite the heartbreak, nothing has changed for Traveller accommodation
1/2
A very big congratulations to
@Ian_donagh
a young traveller man who was accepted into the Gardai.
When I met Ian, he was an inspiration. He continues to inspire. It's a huge achievement and wonderful he was able to do so not having to hide who he is. Wishing Ian all the best.
I genuinely welcome the €2 billion provided for humanitarian supports for refugees, but it has been openly stated it is for Ukrainian refugees.
As a society, we are putting white refugees above black refugees.
There is something deeply wrong creating a hierarchy.
I call on the Minister for Health to address this most serious issue of Travellers being at greater risk of getting Covid-19 as the result of dangerous living conditions.
This needs to be addressed immediately.
Full speech ⤵️
Apple tart and custard at 11:15 😂
Thanks to the staff at the restaurant and cafe at Leinster house for always going above and beyond for Billie when she visits.
Finally, I really want to thank, the many strong women I have worked with over the years, the many strong women who have supported me in my life, the many strong women who helped me with my campaign: together we will continue working for equality 💪
I can't, just can't tweet or retweet some of the nasty racism that's happening here. I for one just need a break from the world of shitty racist people that will NEVER CHANGE .
Saying I heard my big daddy say ( you can take a horse to water but you can't make it drink)
After a hectic week of celebrations & media work, I'm overwhelmed by the good wishes from everyone in Ireland & beyond. Thanks to Ballyfermot/Labre Park & Ardara for the beautiful celebrations that we had. Looking forward to getting my feet under the table at work this week.
In Dublin shop earlier Woman called out the security man, as soon as I walked in, now I did ask why she did it. She couldn't tell me why. It's the most hurtful feeling when your followed for no reason my gut will always tell me why.
Not one Traveller or black woman, in Dáil Éireann Something we need is all women voices.I'd like to see Traveller & black women, more working class & women with disabilities, women rights not just for white women with money.
#100years
#Votes100
Proud to feature in this year's CSPE textbook.
Everything I've ever come across - has been about the past or who we were, rather than who we are. All I've ever wanted to be, was a part of the positive change to Irish society...
1/2
Bravery on the Barrow!
17 year old Miley Doran heroically saved a mother and daughter from drowning without hesitation. He humbly returned home quietly, not seeking any attention.
A true hero and a testament to the strength and spirit of the Irish Traveller Community.
Disappointing an anti-war letter, not intending to allay blame, could be deemed controversial and the catalyst for personal attacks.
Hoping for peace may not manifest it, but it should be our aspiration. Those of us against war shouldn’t be afraid to speak up.
#SabinaHiggins
I welcome the newly discovered passion of some politicians.
I’m hoping these same Government TD’s and Senators can focus that passion now to address the housing, cost of living and health crises. On the many areas of society that require their full focus and influence.
1) I see a lot of people sniggering and being horrible about Donegal around repeal result. Donegal has the highest youth migration and emmigration figures in Ireland, highest youth unemployment, least services, lowest wages. No trains, no motorways no future for their youth.
On Thursday, the Traveller Culture & History in Education Bill is coming before the Dáil.
Thursday is an opportunity, to value young Travellers within our society, in the education system and give children the opportunity to learn about Traveller culture.
" I was told all my life, 'You'll never be anything but a Traveller'
...but I said someday there’s going to be change in the world and I want to be part of it. "
Comments yesterday gave insight to how some in society are viewed. Looked down upon and judged.
It’s embarrassing in 2022 a person could be judged by their accommodation. Worse again, at a time when people are struggling to keep any roof over their head. Is that leadership?
#ThisIsNotConsent
#trustwomen
no is no in all language's & communities all over the world we may not say it in English or Irish, just like knickers no matter your knickers no is still NO.
Ok please get out vote yes now just 2 hours please please please!!fi 35 years fighting for this day.. Today is a day that many many great women have been fighting for freedom. It's being long 3 years since I got involved imagine at it for 35 come on 🇮🇪
#RepealThe8th
#voteyes
" I come from a community of people that are smart, hard-working and entrepreneurial, but rarely get a chance to prove their worth,
Despite the myths and stereotypes, Travellers want to work but instead are massively underemployed. "
Eileen Flynn is campaigning for a Senate seat on the labour panel. She is very much deserving of support. If elected she would be the first Traveller person elected to the Oireachtas.
Dear
@SimonHarrisTD
don't forget us women at the end of Irish society, free, safe, legal, reproductive health care in Ireland for all women to have choice, not one shoe fits all
#Repealthe8th
we ask for free safe legal please don't let us down now. Eileen Flynn Traveller woman
Excellent news as the Traveller Culture & History Bill passes unanimously through the Dail.
I will do everything in my power to ensure this bill continues swiftly through further stages and is enacted.
I would like to thank
@ThomasPringleTD
,
@NCCAie
, Dr Hannagh McGinley...
Terrible news coming from Creeslough. Heartbreaking to hear from such a close knit Donegal community.
For now let us hope against hope and keep those affected in our thoughts.
Over two thirds of Travellers have lost a loved one to suicide. We've waited long enough.
The Government must act NOW to end the devastating mental health crisis affecting Travellers. We need the promised standalone national Traveller mental health strategy to save lives.
#Patrick
– A Young Traveller Lost | Monday | 9.35pm
Suicide rates among Travellers is alarmingly high.
• 7 times higher for men than settled men
• 6 times higher for women than settled women
Patrick's story is a reminder of the urgent need for action.
#CBlive
was a platform for Travellers to share our experiences of life in Ireland.
The vitriol shared online since has been draining. Raw hatred & racism comfortably shared on social media platforms.
It’s like a hangover. Enjoyed the night, but paying for it the day after!
Someone I know is 9 months homeless returns to her abuser today!! Sad how we have very little supports for those who are living with domestic violence, brave that women left him after 14 years to end up homeless with 5 children. Shame on this state, women's life in their hands 💔
Was delighted to be invited by
@rte
to participate in the Home School Hub.
To speak as a woman, a Traveller & politician. On how we are not all that different no matter where we grow up, what we look like or whatever differences others might point to.
Every child has a right to education, but thousands of our children don’t have equal access.
I repeatedly raised the issue of educational inequality and cautiously welcome the announcement to introduce funding to address the digital divide in education.
Families at Cabragh Bridge Thurles
We have learned a lot from this very big ordeal we were put through. We are asking the media now to learn from it as well
Please check out the facts before you use people in this way no matter how popular it might be to run down Travellers
When u get telphone from Ireland's amostmazing Activitist Bernadette McAliskey. We read her books & quote her. just don't talk on phone to her, for min thought was dream!
Such lovely woman. I be honest for months I felt like just giving up, getting that call was for a reason ❤
Time for me to get back to being the Eileen I was before there was a nasty group set up called Traveller's against abortion, I'm a Traveller woman who believes that all women should have equal choice leave women to make up their minds, it's sad see save the 8th using my community
As a Traveller woman in politics, I'm tired of being the sole minority voice. We need an inclusive parliament, not tokenism.
The only movement worth building must champion true equity. Let minority women's voices be heard and we can empower ourselves.
#InternationalWomensDay
6 years since the momentous
#MarRef
Many of us felt proud of the leap towards equality that day. We must continue progressing Ireland, until everyone can live a life of equal value with equality of opportunity.
My last tweet on
#IWD2020
is a beautiful quote from one of Ireland's bravest, powerful, inspirational woman we are all very blessed to know her
@step_bee
❤🤗❤🤗
To the Councillors, TDs & Senators from across all the political divide who supported me & encouraged me back in February during the Seanad elections, your endorsement helped make this happen You helped show me that I as a Traveller women could be a legitimate candidate
Women's equality is for ALL women. No woman should be left behind.
Sometimes, marginalised women need a hand up to get involved in women's movements across the world
Let us focus on how we make our movement, inclusive of ALL women.
#FutureIsFeminist
#ChooseToChallenge
#IWD2021
Tired of those men on left who just want equality for themselves there you go I said it. I maybe a crazy woman to you, I'm a woman who understand inequality I won't stay quite and agree with you. I'll be crazy Traveller woman on my own if need be my right is as important as yours
Congratulations Pamela Cullotty🎓
A woman from the Traveller community in
#Donegal
graduated with a BA, overcoming challenges along the way.
Pamela is inspiring others & continues to make a positive impact, proving education is a powerful tool for change
Ubuntu.... "I am because we are"
Wearing my Ubuntu jumper, designed by Ceg Head in aid of MASI - Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland. Available here:
#EndDP
Denial of human rights and institutionalised racism are at the root of mental health crisis in the Traveller community.
Past promises have not always materialised. We need and deserve recognition of this crisis with swift action to address it. These actions would be lifesaving.
Racism in Ireland
Discrimination means that not everyone has the same opportunity to get into the House of the Oireachtas where they can represent their community.
➡️
My wonderful, kind and inspirational mother, an advocate for women and Travellers in Ireland, passed away 23 years ago aged just 48.
Hard to believe I’ve lived most of my life without her. Yet every day I think and speak of her, continuing her legacy in my activism & motherhood.
Rest in peace Nan Joyce amazing inspiration woman, leader, who lead the way for many Traveller women and men, a true legend that that will never be forgotten. Nan Joyce political activist a history maker in our community and beyond.
My Dad 10 year's gone today. I often sit on the steps of Leinster house, thinking of him and his interest in politics. What I would give to bring him for a visit or meet his grandchildren Billie & Lacey.
Treasure the people you have in your life. We’re only here for a short time
My PERSONAL statement
@CaseyPeterJ
is just an other
GOBSHITE with a lot of money, who is 1% in the polls for
#aras18
Eileen Flynn
TRAVELLER WOMEN ACTIVIST
Glad to see the media covering this. People need to know what’s happening in 2023!
It’s on Minister
@NormaFoleyTD1
to take accountability and responsibility. Action must be taken now to ensure equality in education of Traveller children and all children!
Sincere congrats to
@SenLynneRuane
, an incredibly hard-working Senator and a woman who has been an immense source of inspiration to many, myself included. I'm very proud to call her both colleague and friend. No better woman to have to concede the win to!
@SeanadCEG
❤💪🏆
Children from marginalised communities do not have equal access to education because of the digital divide.
We need to ensure all students have the digital resources and broadband service needed to access education equally.
Full video & statement ⤵️
The Traveller community are blue in the face with 'recommendations'. There must be action.
However, today this report offers us hope. I will continue to do everything in my power to work with the Traveller community and Government to see these recommendations become a reality.
2. I'm not looking forward to the local elections in May as anti Traveller sentiment is popular and candidates will get elected on the back of it . 1st they came for Traveller community! Worried about what's ahead for us. One good thing we are very storng community ❤❤❤
2019 mighty becoming Mammy to my amazing daughter Billie,I suffered bad anxiety & depression while pregnant, & worst when I had Billie. I love my child & happy to be getting back to me. So here to 2020 I'm on my way back, with my beautiful family ❤ Very happy
#2020NewYear
all ❤
1)Today marks the 2nd anniversary of Irish Traveller ethnicity in Ireland, not one thing has changed over pass two years, things has got worst in my opinion symbolic recognition is all we got. If was real recognition we would have seen some changes in this time.