Abstract

Roma refers to the international Roma community with many currently nomadic, semi-nomadic and sedentary (Roma Support Group, 2009). In the face of a history of discrimination and persecution, Roma have maintained a distinct identity characterised by their own Romani language, communal solidarity, close extended family bonds, and cultural traditions. There is a dearth of information regarding the Roma needs in Ireland. The Roma in Ireland continue to experience discrimination in housing, education, employment, medical care, access to goods and services and decision-making all across Europe (Pavee Point, 2009). This review article was written on behalf of Pavee Point National Traveller Centre, Dublin, Ireland as part of a report for the Irish government to drawing attention to the current political and social needs of the Roma and Gypsies within the Irish context. Ireland is not part of the commitment to the ‘Decade of Roma Inclusion’ (2005-2015). An inclusive approach to education, language, immigration, health, housing, media focus and ethnic reporting systems must take into consideration the selective acculturative processes of Roma individual, gender and familial needs in order to attain and preserve ethnicity and equality within Irish and broader European social and political systems.