Minister celebrates International Roma Day with Roma Community

Minister Joe O’Brien joined members of the Roma community yesterday to formally celebrate International Roma Day.

The event, organised by Musicantia and held in Balbriggan’s Irish Institute of Music & Song, was a showcase of Roma music & culture.

The event was also attended by officials from various departments with Minister Joe O’Brien giving the keynote address.

Speaking at the event Minister Joe O’Brien said:

“Events like this one today are crucially important in helping to break down barriers and build relationships.

“Bringing people together like this – particularly those from the Roma community who are often cited as one of the most marginalised groups in Irish society, is especially important.

“Roma have experienced severe and historic discrimination in mainland Europe that goes back many generations and this is something that we need to be conscious of in Ireland.

“The Roma community faces significant challenges in Ireland.

“Research also indicates that Roma in Ireland experience a disproportionately high rate of homelessnessand unemployment  compared to the general Irish population.

“Working together & finding ways to support & further integrate Roma people into our communities is crucial in addressing this inequality.

“Under my other Department of Social Protection I am delighted to see that a recently commenced Community Employment scheme specifically for Roma has been very successful in the Balbriggan area and we are looking at rolling the same model out to other locations in Ireland with significant Roma populations

“I’m delighted to participate in events such as this one in Balbriggan today.

“Music in particular has a remarkable capacity to start discussions, encourage self-reflection and foster connections.

“Its various forms transcend linguistic and cultural barriers and can contribute to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Roma community & the positive contribution Roma people make in Irish society.”