5.A consultation paper containing measures to control unauthorised encampments was issued in September 2003 to local government bodies and organisations representing equality interests. As the proposed measures are likely to impact significantly on the Irish Traveller community, who most frequently use unauthorised encampments, special arrangements were made to consult their representatives.
6.Responses from local government bodies welcomed the proposed control measures. However, the Equality Commission, NI Council for Ethnic Minorities, Traveller support groups and a number of other organisations opposed the measures on the grounds that they will have an adverse impact on Irish Travellers. The consultation paper and a summary of responses received have been published on the Department’s website www.dsdni.gov.uk