Roma in Ireland
The number of Roma in Ireland is roughly estimated, as the Central Statistics Office collects its data based on nationality and not ethnic origin. For this reason a precise demographic profile of the Roma in Ireland is not available. Some estimates of Roma in Ireland give the population at 1,700 in 2004[1] rising to between 2,500 to 3,000 in 2005[2] with the majority originating from Romania. The Roma are distinct from the indigenous Irish Traveller community, but face many similar social difficulties. Roma in Ireland are sometimes referred to as "Gypsies". The Roma originate from Eastern and central European states.
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Arrival in Ireland [edit]
Roma have been present in Ireland since the beginning of the 19th century. Traditionally, Roma arrived from Britain for seasonal work, either as farm labourers or as coppersmiths[2]
Post-1989 [edit]
After the collapse of communism in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, thousands of Roma, among others, sought asylum in Ireland and other Western countries. Their arrival prompted contrasting editorials in the mainstream newspapers.[3] In 1988, Roma started to arrive in Ireland,[citation needed] predominantly by hiding in container lorries. In the summer of 1998, several hundred Roma arrived hidden in freight containers in Rosslare Harbour, many of them illegally trafficked.[4]
A second impetus for Roma immigration arose after the admittance of an additional 15 states to the European Union, with the populations coming to Dublin and the other major towns and cities.
See also [edit]
References [edit]
- ^ National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism website article on Travellers and Roma
- ^ a b Report in Roma Educational Needs in Ireland
- ^ Watt, Philip (Nov. 1998). Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Ireland: the potential of community development strategies. Combat Poverty Agency. p. 17. Retrieved 2009-11-20.
- ^ Roma Immigration to Ireland
Sources [edit]
- http://www.eapn.ie/policy/105
- http://www.nccri.ie/cdsu-travellers.html
- http://www.webcitation.org/5knwjUGFC
- http://www.romasupport.ie/
- http://www.nowpublic.com/roma_deported_ireland
- Access Ireland - Training Roma as cultural mediators
- Roma Educational Needs in Ireland - Context and Challenges Lesovitch, L., June 2005 City of Dublin VEC
- Romani immigration to Ireland by Mícheál Ó hAodha 1998 Patrin Web Journal[dead link]
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