The "entire collapse" of a key source of income for Travellers is imminent unless a task force is established to examine alternative ways for them to work in the scrap cars trade, a report published yesterday says.
The report, commissioned by Pavee Point, also says Travellers face significant barriers in setting up their own businesses.
Titled Dismantling the Traveller Economy?, the report particularly looks at the impact of a new EU directive on the disposal of scrap cars.
The EU Directive on End-Of-Life Vehicles, which must be fully implemented by member-states by 2006, will mean the sector is regulated to standards consistent throughout the EU, with only licensed operators and permit- holders allowed to engage in the business.
"Because of the central role that recycling and car dismantling has for the Traveller community, the impact of the directive will probably result in the entire collapse of this activity for Travellers," says the report.
It points out that when the collapse of an entire sector or even an aspect of economic activity is faced by the settled community a task force is established.
"In the interests of equity such an approach should be taken in respect of the Traveller community," the report agrues.
Among the calls made are for the inclusion of Travellers in the development of policies to help their transition from the "black" economy to the formal economy.
The report also makes suggestions for the establishment of pilot projects where local authorities or large companies give Travellers contracts for the disposal of vehicles.
