The term “Roma” used at the Council of Europe refers to Roma, Sinti, Kale and related groups in Europe, including Travellers and the Eastern groups (Dom and Lom), and covers the wide diversity of the groups concerned, including persons who identify themselves as “Gypsies”.

Roma originated in India Estimated million Roma live in Europe Estimated 5000 Roma in Ireland – no official data Roma in Ireland come from different countries - Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland…

Roma have faced discrimination and racism from State authorities for generations, which continues today. Approximately 500,000 Roma murdered during the Holocaust. (90% of some local communities). In former Czechoslovakia Roma were targeted for systematic forced sterilisation by the State. Across Europe, Roma are more likely to have their children taken into State care.. In the Slovakia and the Czech Republic, Roma are been placed in segregated and inferior schools. In Romania, Roma have been shot and killed by police In Ireland, two Roma children were removed from their families due to having fair skin and blonde hair. In Waterford (2014), up to 100 people gathered outside a Roma family’s house, chanting “Go Home”. In short, being identified as Roma has resulted in very negative experiences for many Roma people and this can mean they have little trust in authorities. Why some Roma fear engaging with authorities:

Discrimination – Street, shops, accessing services Right to reside / Habitual residence condition Identification – lack of PPS numbers Access to medical cards Accessing social protection and employment supports Overcrowding and poor accommodation Affording education Poverty People hiding their identity Communication – availability of interpreters Some key issues:

Dublin: North Inner City (North circular road), Tallaght, Clondalkin, Balbriggan Cork City (Blackpool), Mallow Tralee, Killarney Letterkenny Enniscorthy Ennis Also in other areas such as Kildare (Newbridge, Sallins, Maynooth), Louth, Longford, Athlone, Waterford City, Limerick. Largest Roma communities in Ireland

Roma needs assessment In July 2014, the Report of the Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the removal of two Roma children from their families was published (the ‘Logan Report’). The report recommended that an assessment of need would be undertaken. Following this recommendation the national needs assessment of Roma was commissioned by the Department of Justice and Equality. It is being undertaken by Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre with an independent researcher, and 15 Roma peer researchers. Fieldwork is complete and report is in final stages. The assessment will provide a better understanding of the experiences of the Roma community in accessing public services in Ireland from a human rights and equality perspective - using a thematic approach (education, health, housing, employment, social protection, non-discrimination, child welfare, justice etc.). The final report will be used to feed into the new National Traveller Roma Inclusion Strategy (2016 – 2020).

Dublin: North Inner City (North circular road), Tallaght, Clondalkin, Balbriggan Cork City (Blackpool), Mallow Tralee, Killarney Letterkenny Enniscorthy Ennis Also in other areas such as Kildare (Newbridge, Sallins, Maynooth), Louth, Longford, Athlone, Waterford City, Limerick. Largest Roma communities in Ireland

Demographic findings – needs assessment 108 respondents who completed questionnaires with the peer researchers. In total there were 501 people living with the 108 respondents. 220 of these were adults and 281 were children. The research covers rural and urban areas and includes a wide demographic from infant to old age. It includes newly arrived as well as people who have been living here for as long as nineteen years. It includes Roma who were born in Ireland as well as those born in Romania, Bulgaria, Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Demographic findings – needs assessment The size of households varied significantly. Over 70% of households comprised of 5 or less people. 7.3% of households comprised of 10 or more people. The overall findings challenge common beliefs that most Roma in Ireland are living in very large households. However, for a smaller group of Roma they show potential situations over severe overcrowding. In over 50% of households there were 2 or less children and in 82.3% of households there were 4 or less children.

Demographic findings – needs assessment The length of time respondents had lived in Ireland spanned from less than a year to 19 years. 70% of respondents have been living in Ireland for five years or more. 14% of respondents have been living here for 15 years or more. There are now second and third generation Roma living in Ireland. As one respondent noted “This is my home. I would not consider anywhere else home, I grew up here.”

Working with Roma Use findings from needs assessment Roma community is very diverse – responses will be different in each local area Developing community profile as first step Supporting local Roma advocates is important – e.g. Wexford, Ennis Interagency groups