On behalf of the Polish Educational Organisations in Ireland we would like to express our deep concern over the recent statement made by the Judge Mary Davis.
As representatives of Polish organizations working to ensure that Polish people integrate into Irish society we were deeply sadden by the fact that someone in such a respected position of authority put our hard work at risk by encouraging prejudice against Polish people in Ireland.
We would like to draw attention to the figures released by the CSO that show that the young Polish community has been badly affected by recession. The experience of unemployment is distressing for everyone and we hope we will be able to ensure people of all backgrounds feel supported in their efforts to seek employment and adapt to Irish society.
We work closely with the Polish community on an everyday basis. Most Polish people and their families who have made their home here in Ireland intend to stay. At the moment there are over 20,000 Polish children living in Ireland who consider Ireland their home. Reports published by The Office of the Minister for Children and Youth affairs and Trinity Immigration Initiative indicate that immigrant children tend to be more bullied at school and feel less happy with the way they are or with their lives at present.
We would like to appeal to everybody to be mindful of their statements about immigrants in Ireland especially if these statements encourage prejudice and hatred.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Integration Centre for their support.
Contact:
Beata Molendowska
beata.molendowska@gmail.com
Forum Polonia
Education Section
