Press Release June 2005
Minister Sile de Valera launches report on Roma education in Ireland
15th June 2005
Roma Education Rights in Ireland
“We are delighted that this report documents our particular educational needs. We hope that as a result of this report the government and educational authorities will now do something for us Roma to improve our education and to help our children in integrating into Irish society” said Mr. Ion Zatreanu of the Roma Support Group at the launch of the Report on Roma Educational Needs by Minister Sile de Valera this morning. “Our culture and way of life must be respected and taken into account if we are to have good outcomes from the education system” he continued.
Many Roma now living in Ireland were denied the opportunity of being educated in their countries of origin. In Romania, where 90% of the Roma now living in Ireland have come from, Roma are frequently denied their basic human right to an education. Even now when Roma children go to school in Romania they are usually put in segregated schools or in schools for the mentally handicapped.
Speaking at the launch Ms. Ronnie Fay, Director of Pavee Point Travellers Centre, said “There is a need for a multi-agency response to address the needs of Roma within Ireland. An education solution alone will not be successful. This Report shows that until issues of status are addressed there will be little progress in advancing Roma Rights in Ireland.” A key finding within this Report, and at a global level, is the need for Roma participation in whatever solutions and policies are devised otherwise they will be doomed to failure. “We need to learn from the experience of Travellers in Ireland in relation to education and not repeat the same mistakes that have been made there” she continued.
The Report sets out the context of Roma educational needs and makes recommendations to progress the issues including the need for a Roma Education Policy and for Roma to be included in any initiatives in developing an intercultural school and curriculum. It also calls for Roma culture to be taken into account within the school and wider education systems.
Further information:
Terry Battles or Ronnie Fay on 01 8780255