Romanian ambassador disputes influx of illegal workers to State

Romania's ambassador to Ireland has disputed claims that thousands of its citizens are arriving here each month in the hope of finding work in the black economy.

The latest figures show 5,291 Romanians received personal public service (PPS) numbers in January and February this year. However, just 18 work permits have been issued to Romanian nationals during this time, seven of which were renewals of existing permits.

As a result of Government labour restrictions, Romanians may only work here if they are self- employed or hold a work permit.

In an interview with The Irish Times, Romania's ambassador, Silvia Stancu Davidoiu, said she believed many of those applying for PPS numbers had already been working and living in Ireland for a considerable period of time.

"Many of these people are only now taking the opportunity to apply for PPS numbers in an attempt to legalise their presence here," she said.

"It is too early to draw any firm conclusions that people are coming here to find work. We would ask people to wait a few months and see what the numbers are like then."

She said that in an article published in a Romanian newspaper at the beginning of the year, she urged any member of the community in Ireland who was working informally to regularise their status, once the country joined the EU on January 1st this year.

She acknowledged that newcomers were also arriving here to find work, but said most Romanians at home were aware of the work restrictions.

"The issue of work permit restrictions in places such as Ireland was disseminated widely throughout the media and through the department for working abroad, which is based in the labour ministry," she said.

"Also, many people receiving PPS numbers are middle-aged or older people in their 50s and 60s who have come to help raise their grandchildren here. They are not seeking to work."

There are already signs that the numbers registering are slowing, with the monthly PPS registrations falling from just over 3,000 Romanians in January to 2,000 in February.

Ms Stancu Davidoiu said she was hopeful that the Government would lift the labour restrictions and give Romanians the same level of freedom as other new members of the EU such as Poland.

"We don't think that introducing labour market restrictions was supportive in terms of solidarity at EU level. As a matter of principle, we object, although we recognised the Irish Government's right to impose restrictions."

She also said the image of Romanians in Ireland had been damaged by a minority of members of the Roma community who were involved in "begging and stealing". The reality, she said, was that most Romanians here were well-educated and wanted to improve their economic circumstances or to avail of educational opportunities.

The Roma Support Group - based in Pavee Point, Dublin - says that it is opposed to begging and that those on the streets represent 5-10 per cent of the community here.