Romani people in Ireland

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The number of Romani people 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 Romani in Ireland is not available. Some estimates of Romani 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.

Arrival in Ireland

Romani have been present in Ireland since the beginning of the 19th century. Traditionally, Romani arrived from Britain for seasonal work, either as farm labourers or as coppersmiths[2]

Post-1989

After the collapse of communism in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, thousands of Romani, among others, sought asylum in Ireland and other Western countries. Their arrival prompted contrasting editorials in the mainstream newspapers.[3] In 1989, Romani started to arrive in Ireland, predominantly by hiding in container lorries. In the summer of 1998, several hundred Romani arrived hidden in freight containers in Rosslare Harbour, many of them illegally trafficked.[4]

A second impetus for Romani 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

References

  1. ↑ National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism website article on Travellers and Roma
  2. 1 2 Report in Roma Educational Needs in Ireland
  3. ↑ 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.
  4. ↑ Roma Immigration to Ireland

Sources

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