Who are Romani Gypsies?
This group includes English, Welsh and Scottish Gypsies and European Roma. Romani Gypsies have the longest known history of the Traveller communities, with their roots being traced back to Northern India over 1,000 years ago. Their language is known as Romany/Rom.Who are Irish Travellers?
The first Irish Travellers were recorded in the 8th Century as travelling metal workers and menders of household utensils. Their language is called Cant or Gammon and they are mainly of Catholic faith, and prefer to send their children to Catholic schools.
Gypsies have a shared culture, language and belief system, as do Irish Travellers; both groups may be referred to as Travellers. They are recognised as ethnic minority groups under race relations legislation. Additionally all public sector organisations have a positive duty under the law to eliminate racial discrimination and promote equality of opportunity, which includes Gypsies and Irish Travellers.