Last week, Ronnie Fay and Silvia Davidoiu debated the question: Do Roma face discrimination? Here is an edited selection of your comments:
There can be little doubt that Romanian citizens of Roma ethnicity are marginalised in their native country, as is the case without exception throughout Europe. The question arises whether that marginalisation is due to discrimination on the basis of ethnicity or due to a lifestyle justifiably considered anti-social and unacceptable to others.
As with all complex social issues, the truth lies somewhere between contrary points of view. The claims of some within the Roma group recently deported, later found to be untrue, infuriated many of their co-nationals here. Hard-working Romanians in Ireland feel their efforts undermined, and a sting to national pride when they might be judged "guilty by association". It is further felt that migration restrictions imposed on Romanians following accession to the EU were due to a determination on the part of the Irish authorities to facilitate selection on the basis of ethnicity. There is a view, rightly or wrongly held, that the wish of the State to limit Roma immigration meant that all Romanians are subject to restrictions.
There are now, as pointed out by the ambassador, numerous projects intended to improve ethnic relations in Romania and to advance the social conditions of many marginalised groups including Roma. These are operated through new state agencies and increasingly are being channelled through a developing NGO sector. However, it is hard to reconcile the claim that anti-Roma discrimination does not exist, with Friday's judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in Cobzaru v Romania. While it is understandable that there would be some level of PR in the authorities' response to the recent situation, there is also a substantive issue that cannot be avoided and should not be minimised. The majority of Roma in Ireland come from states which have recently acceded to the EU, including Romania. For this reason it is to be hoped that the strained relations in evidence lately between the embassy and Irish NGOs working with Roma, particularly Pavee Point, are quickly restored to some modus vivendi so that the polarisation within the Romanian diaspora in Ireland is not exacerbated and grievances entrenched.
- Michael Keating, Ireland
I am sick and tired of hearing about minority rights. I simply refuse to entertain any of them, Roma or not, until I hear an equal amount of importance placed upon minority responsibilities. You cannot expect to have one without the other. Also, can someone please explain to me why my rights are less important than an immigrant's? The Roma culture is one that fits in a modern Ireland. I find it intolerant of change and suspicious of "outsiders". From my own experiences, and what I have read over the years, it is one that abdicates all personal responsibility and expects everyone to adapt to them rather than the other way around.
I don't care who it is: Muslims, Hindus Sikhs, Africans, eastern Europeans or Roma. The message must be the same to all - If you want to come to my country, you must be prepared to change and integrate. If that's too much for you, then go home.
- Alan D, Ireland
The Roma people I have met have been good natured, friendly and welcoming largely in response to the help they have received from the Smiles Foundation, which provides them with food, medical care and education. It has also provided employment for some.
Since the Smiles Foundation started working with the Roma community, the local crime rate has dramatically reduced. By providing a new school which aims to integrate Roma children with local Romanian children it is hoped that the two communities will learn to live together with mutual respect and understanding and that Roma people will have much more access to employment. I believe that integrated education that respects both cultures is key to eliminating the isolation of the Roma communities.
- Penny Kennedy, United Kingdom