Pavee Point picket Labour HQ in support of Cllr. Bree

Today up to 20 Travellers picketed the Labour Party HQ in support of Cllr. Declan Bree during a party disciplinary hearing to censure the Sligo Councillor for supporting Travellers rights.

The following statement was issued earlier today by Pavee Point:

Pavee Point notes that there is an internal Labour Party disciplinary meeting this afternoon in relation to Cllr. Declan Bree. Pavee Point commends the position Cllr. Bree took in supporting the Sligo Traveller Accommodation Programme.

Pavee Point’s Assistant Director and Human Rights Commissioner Martin Collins states, ‘It’s a very sad day when one is brought to task and expected to apologise for speaking up on issues of injustice and in equality. Pavee Point offers solidarity with Declan Bree who took a principled stand on the issue of Traveller accommodation.’

Pavee Point acknowledges internal disciplinary matters are an issue for the Labour Party itself; however we are concerned that the issue Cllr. Bree is being disciplined around relates to Traveller accommodation. It sends out a negative message in relation to people who support Travellers’ rights. It is crucial in this context that the Labour Party clarifies its clear support for the Traveller Accommodation Programme.