Supporters of the 47 Romanian asylum-seekers living in Monaghan have urged the Taoiseach to intervene personally on their behalf. The Roma people now face deportation early in the New Year if their appeals fail.
A delegation of supporters today met the Taoiseach to appeal for intervention. Four members of the County Monaghan Roma Support Group, accompanied by Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, Sinn Fein's sole Dáil member, said they
were pleased with Mr Ahern's response to their calls.
Mr. Ó Caoláin said that the Roma group have integrated into the community in County Monaghan and that they genuinely fear imminent deportation.
The 11 families arrived in Ireland in a container ship at the port of Rosslare in July and had been fighting deportation since. The outcome of their final appeal is expected next month but the support group
holds out little hope at the decision going their way.
