Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre
Press Statement
July 1st 2014
Actions Speak Louder than Words:
Government must plan and support Roma inclusion in Ireland
Pavee Point today welcomes the publication of the independent Special Inquiry by the Ombudsman for Children into the removal of two Roma children from their families in October 2013 and further welcomes the apology by Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD. It is vital that these steps are followed by substantive action.
Ronnie Fay, Pavee Point Co Director stated that “The Roma are part of Ireland now and we must plan and support their inclusion in society. We need a detailed action plan that is developed in partnership with Roma organisations and the wider community.”
Any actions emanating from this report need to be developed in partnership with Roma and actions must be informed by human rights and anti-racism principles.
For too long, Roma have been forced into vulnerable positions in Ireland with Roma children living in extreme poverty. We propose that the social protection restriction of the Habitual Residence Condition is not applied to child benefit.
“If the State is really serious about the protection of Roma children, at a very minimum they will ensure that Roma children have access to food, clothes and education.” said Monika Makulova of the Roma programme at Pavee Point.
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