Travellers and Roma face the highest levels of prejudice of any ethnic group in Ireland, according to new research from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).

Travellers and Roma are two distinct ethnic groups with different histories, cultures, and languages.

However, attitudes to both groups are very similar in Ireland.

The report found that on average, people were most comfortable having Travellers and Roma in their child’s class in school, less comfortable with having them as neighbours and least comfortable with their child being in a relationship with a member of either group.

Horse fair in market square in Kilrush, Co. Clare, Ireland. Traditional for farmers and Travellers to trade horses and donkeys. Image: Tim Graham / Alamy. 3 June 2010

The most substantial differences in attitudes were seen in regional breakdowns.

Those living in Dublin and along its border region were the most tolerant of both groups.

People living in the West and Midlands were least tolerant of Travellers, and people in the South West Midlands were least tolerant of Roma.

People who self-identified as 'working class', and those living in less affluent areas were were more comfortable with Travellers and Roma than people who identified as ‘middle class’ and lived in affluent areas.

Women, young people between the ages of 16 to 20, renters and those living in social housing were all found to have more tolerant attitudes to the two groups than their counterparts.

Proactive

Associate research Professor at the ESRI Dr Frances McGinnity said that we need to be ‘proactive’ in countering these attitudes.

“One step would be facilitating positive contact between Travellers and Roma and the communities where they live,” she said.

“We do find that people who volunteered in the past year were more positive to Travellers and Roma, so that suggests that community projects may be one avenue for contact.

“It needs to be sustained positive contact with a shared goal.”

Dr McGinnity also said that it is important that national and local leadership promote inclusion of Travellers and Roma.

The report also found that three percent of Irish Travellers and 26% of Roma aged over 15 had a third-level degree, compared to 34% of the white Irish population.