Support from Gypsy Roma Traveller Police Association

A representative from the Gypsy Roma Traveller Police Association said the following:

The GRTPA are absolutely opposed to the Government moving ahead with the recommendations to criminalise trespass. This proposed legislation criminalises a traditional way of life for our community and will only seek to marginalise Gypsies and Travellers further. We believe the solution is, and has always been adequate site provision across the country, inclusive of transit sites and negotiated stopping.

Gypsies and Travellers are recognised ethnic groups and our nomadic way of life is part of our culture, therefore this legislation would be in conflict with Human Rights and Equality legislation and would only further antagonise the awful bias and discrimination we suffer daily.