MORE THAN two-thirds of Irish Travellers have been discriminated against, according to a new report.
Research compiled by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) found that a whopping 68% of Traveller men and 62% of Traveller woman have experienced discrimination.
The research also found that 46% of people said they would feel "uncomfortable with Travellers as neighbours".
The report was launched today by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC), Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre and the Department of Equality.
The survey of Rights and Living Conditions of Travellers in Ireland found that Travellers in Ireland reported having the lowest rates of employment across Europe, at just 15%.
APPLEBY, ENGLAND - JUNE 04: An Irish traveller sits on a horse in the shade and watches young men racing horses, at the Appleby Horse Fair on June 4, 2016 in Appleby, England.It showed that 10% of all Travellers, including children, have "gone to bed hungry" at least once in the last month, while more than 90% said there is "insufficient and inadequate" accommodation available to them.
Ireland has the second highest rate of Traveller children participating in early childhood education, at 75%, however, it continues to lag behind that of the general population.
There is a 70% rate of early school leaving among Irish Travellers, compared with 5% for the general population.
Children's Minister Roderic O'Gorman noted that "the survey results published today make clear that sadly Travellers still face significant barriers to full equality within Irish society.
FRA Director, Michael O’Flaherty, said: "Travellers are as Irish as you and me. But they have been excluded from our society for generations.
"These results confirm the unacceptable hardships and barriers Travellers still face in 21st century Ireland.
"The results should challenge us all and can help policymakers to deliver equality and inclusion for Irish Travellers," he added.
