It is also a reflection of the worrying situation across Europe today, where attacks on minorities are becoming more frequent and accepted. Though most Irish people regard racism as a problem of foreign countries, some believe that racism is unfortunately alive in Ireland today in the guise of oppression and discrimination against travellers. Ireland is home to over 22,000 travellers. With an average of eight children per family today, there has been a high increase in the group's population. The majority of the travelling community reside in four counties - Dublin, Galway, Cork and Limerick.
Travellers believe in the importance of the extended family, economic nomadism and self-employment.
Collecting scraps from dumps such as old furniture, car parts and metal parts is their main means of making money. Today, almost half the travelling community live in standard houses or serviced halting sites. The other half live in fields and roadsides without toilets, piped water, electricity, public phones or fire precautions. Over one-tenth of travellers on halting sites are without a refuse collection or water supply. Health problems are notably worse compared to those of the settled community.