The Government has been urged to offer help to a group of Roma families, including 15 children and a baby, who have been camping on a roundabout near Ballymun, north Dublin for the past six weeks.
As a result of welfare restrictions aimed at citizens from new EU states, Romanian citizens are not entitled to a range of social assistance payments or emergency accommodation.
It is understood the families had sought asylum in the State earlier this year, but had their applications refused under changes which bar EU nationals from applying for refugee status, except in exceptional circumstances.
Department of Justice officials offered to repatriate the families, but sources familiar with the case say they refused this offer.
Pavee Point and the Roma Support Group said a humane response was needed to improve conditions for the families.
"We have been flagging the situation with the relevant statutory agencies and working with them in an attempt to effect positive outcomes for the families involved," said Ronnie Fay, director of Pavee Point.
"However, new legislation brought in by the former minister for justice last year means many statutory agencies have their hands tied and are unable to commit resources or supports to these families. There are no dedicated resources to deal with the issues facing these Roma or Roma in Ireland generally in a constructive way."
In total 28 Roma adults and 16 children are camping at the roundabout. They previously camped for several weeks in Dardistown cemetery until they were moved on by local authority officials.
About 3,000 Roma are living legally in Ireland. Since January citizens from Romania and Bulgaria are free to travel to Ireland. However, as a result of temporary labour restrictions, they may only work here if they have a valid work permit.
