Marie Moloney (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate Pavee Point on its work. Pavee Point is probably one of the best known names in the country. I can assure Ms Curran its reputation extends all over Ireland.

Ms Curran referred to a needs policy. In this respect, she is correct. We really need to know who to focus on, where they are and their needs. The habitual residency clause causes problems, not only for the Roma but for everyone. Irish people who were away for a number years but who have returned to care for an elderly relative, for example, are encountering problems owing to the clause. While it presents a difficulty, one must appreciate why it was put in place. The Irish social welfare system has been quite generous. If we did not have such a clause, the floodgates would open. There is no doubt about that. Having said that, the clause does not excuse circumstances in which any child must live in poverty. One should be able to gain access to services.

If the Roma come to Ireland and cannot gain access to social welfare, how are they living? Have they got supplementary welfare? How do they gain access to accommodation? Unless one has some money coming here, one would find it impossible. How many Roma who have been able to gain access to training have been employed in Ireland?