Ms Laura Pohjolainen:

I was referring generally to all women from minority groups who are living in Ireland, not just Traveller and Roma women. The vulnerability that arises from not being able to access services and protections leads to an exclusion from different aspects of society, such as not being linked into employment, not having economic independence, and not having access to education and knowledge about services and supports, perhaps because of illiteracy and language barriers, including in regard to accommodation and health issues.

The European Commission has recognised the Roma people as one of the most vulnerable ethnic groups in Europe. Ireland has developed its own national Traveller and Roma integration strategy, but it contains significant shortcomings. In fact, it meets only four of the 22 criteria. A comprehensive strategy would work to include Roma and Traveller women in society in a way that would ensure their economic independence and give them the knowledge to access services and protections.