“In accordance with the case law of the Strasbourg court, member states should ensure that no child is placed in institutional care solely on grounds relating to the poor housing conditions or financial situation of his or her family. Placement of a child in an institution should remain the exception and should have as the primary objective the best interests of the child.”

— Thomas Hammarberg, Former Commissioner for Human Rights of Council of Europe, 2012.

There are an estimated 5,000 Roma in Ireland, mainly from Central and Eastern Europe. In Ireland today, many Roma experience difficulties accessing education, health services and employment, and experience racism, gender inequality and poverty.