Report raises welfare concerns for Roma children in Ireland

on 07/11/2012 18:50:52

A report on a series of seminars looking at the welfare of Roma children in Ireland, is raising serious concerns about child protection.

The report, by the HSE and traveller's rights group Pavee Point, points out that many of these children come from families who are not entitled to any state supports and are living in poverty.

It also outlines substandard housing amongst the Roma community in Ireland and a lack of food experienced by some families.

At the seminars, health, social service and education practitioners raised serious concerns about having to consider taking Roma children into care for welfare.

The Government is being called on to develop a progressive Roma inclusion strategy to address these issues.