Roma Community
People who identify as Roma are part of a minority ethnic group. This group originated in Northwest India, but have lived for centuries mainly in eastern and central Europe. The Council of Europe estimates that there are 10-12 million Roma in Europe, constituting the largest minority group in the EU.
Although Roma communities share similar cultural practices, language and history, they cannot be seen as a homogenous group. For centuries, Roma have fled violence and persecution in many countries in Western and Central Europe. Today, many Roma have experienced social exclusion, discrimination, forced evictions and expulsions from their country of origin.
The census of 2022 indicates that there are at least 16,059 Roma individuals living in Ireland. Many experience disadvantages in accessing education, health services and employment and experience racism and gender inequality.
Working in Partnership
We work in partnership with other HSE services, other statutory agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including organisations such as Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre, Cairde to improve the health status of members of the Roma community.
Ireland's Second National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan is particularly relevant to ongoing work, as are the recommendations from the EU about effective Roma integration measures.
Steering Group
We are also represented on the National Traveller/Roma Inclusion Steering Group, which was set up by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
Resources and Access to Information
National Roma Infoline
The National Roma Infoline supports Roma with a variety of health queries. The infoline is a national service. The operators speak English, Romanian and Romani.
Phone: 087 126 4606
Roma health guide
The HSE Roma health guide includes maternal healthcare information, frequently asked questions and useful contacts. The website is available in English, Czech, Romanian and Slovak. Visit hse.ie/roma
Translated resources
Translated and easy read resources for staff working with migrants including Roma
Information videos including Roma languages
Free GP clinics are available to Roma in various locations nationally and information on the clinics is available on www.hse.ie/roma in English, Romanian, Czech and Slovak.
Translated information on vaccines in different languages including several Roma specific resources (Video, Posters, Leaflets).
Vaccination webinars
Presentations from the National Vaccination Webinar for Roma Health Service Providers and Staff held 15th May 2024:
- Alex Petrovics, HSE South East Community Health – Project addressing vaccination gap in under 4s.
- Dr Louise Lyons Mehl, Senior Medical Officer, HSE National Immunisation Office – Childhood vaccination (includes links to resources developed for Roma)
- Dr Chantal Migone, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, HSE National Immunisation Office – Vaccine Hesitancy and Acceptance (includes links to resources developed for Roma).
Presentations from the National Vaccination Webinar for Roma Health Service Providers and Staff held 4th September 2024:
- Dr Louise Lyons Mehl, Senior Medical Officer, HSE National Immunisation Office – Survey Insights from the Childhood Vaccination Webinar on Wednesday, May 15th
- Dr Chantal Migone, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, HSE National Immunisation Office – Vaccine Hesitancy and Acceptance with voice recording.