Pavee Point welcome the beginning of investigation by the Ombudsman into removal of Roma children from their families.
Pavee Point strongly welcomes the initiation of the investigation of the cases of the removal of Roma children from their families by the Ombudsman for Children. We have always maintained that a fully independent investigation was needed and welcome the extension of the Ombudsman’s powers to investigate the role of the Gardaí in these cases. We are confident that a full and comprehensive investigation will be conducted by the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman’s existing power of investigation, in conjunction with the powers that Section 42 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 give, will allow for this. We urge all stakeholders to work with the Ombudsman’s office to clearly establish the full details of these cases.
Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre are fully committed to giving any assistance required in the conduction of this investigation.
We look forward to seeing the report on this investigation and working with all stakeholders to ensure cases like this do not arise again and trust can be rebuilt with the Roma community in Ireland.