Post by earl on Jun 12, 2007 13:03:55 GMT
DIPLOMATIC relations between Ireland and Lithuania have become strained following claims by the Baltic state's Children's Rights Commissioner that Lithuanian children living here are beaten up because they are "more beautiful" than the Irish.
The Department of Foreign Affairs says the claims are without foundation, and the Irish Ambassador in Vilnius, Donal Denham, sharply rebuked the senior official who made the remarks, Rimante Salasevicuite
After what was referred to as a "frank exchange of views", Ms Salasevicuite said she stood by the claims, which have been criticised - not least by her compatriots living here who have come to the defence of their new home.
After a visit to Ireland, Ms Salasevicuite said that Lithuanian children in Ireland feel unsafe and experience what they feel is discrimination.
She said that in some Irish schools, children are prevented from speaking Lithuanian even with their brothers and sisters. The senior official added that in one (unnamed) Irish town, Lithuanian teenagers are beaten up because they are "more beautiful than Irish ones".
The Children's Rights Commissioner met teachers and senior figures in the Lithuanian community here. She concluded that Lithuanian children are not considered the equals of Irish ones but Lithuanian parents are afraid to register complaints with Irish authorities and don't know their rights.
In a statement amounting to a diplomatic rebuke, Iveagh House said: "We are aware of press reports about comments reportedly made by the Lithuanian Children's Rights Commissioner. The Irish Ambassador in Vilnius, Mr Donal Denham, contacted Ms Salasevicuite yesterday to discuss these remarks. The Department of Foreign Affairs has also contacted the Embassy of Lithuania in Dublin about this matter.
"It is clear that the allegations in these reported comments are without foundation. The Lithuanian authorities have made no complaint about the treatment of Lithuanian children by the Irish authorities."
As many as 100,000 Lithuanians may be living in Ireland - though the official figures register about 25,000. They are the second-largest migrant group, after Poles.
Lithuania's leading daily newspaper, Lietuvos Rytas, published an article questioning Ms Salasevicuite's claims.
One reader commented: "My family have been living in Ireland for five years already. One of my children has already finished high school and now studies in Dublin. The younger son is still in school. What I want to say is that the atmosphere in Irish schools has always been impeccable, Irish kids and teachers are very friendly.
"In the course of five years, my children have never been involved in any conflicts and haven't experienced any humiliation from the Irish. On the contrary, those were Lithuanian children that were more likely to cause trouble and pick on the Irish.
"As to the fact that Lithuanian children are not allowed to speak Lithuanian in schools - this is true, but it is correct! Children of other nationalities also study in Ireland and they don't speak their languages at school either. And nobody complains about it! So, leave Ireland alone - we are fine here! Mind your own problems!"
Another correspondent said: "If you choose to live abroad, then you must speak the local language and this is not discrimination at all, it is adaptation."
After the meeting with Mr Denham, Ms Salasevicuite confirmed that the Irish Ambassador had disputed her claims during frank exchanges but said she stood by her remarks.
She said that Lithuanian children were not subject to discrimination in all Irish schools. ¨We know of very good examples in the little towns," she said.
www.independent.ie/national-news/diplomatic-rebuke-in-beautiful-row-695345.html
The Department of Foreign Affairs says the claims are without foundation, and the Irish Ambassador in Vilnius, Donal Denham, sharply rebuked the senior official who made the remarks, Rimante Salasevicuite
After what was referred to as a "frank exchange of views", Ms Salasevicuite said she stood by the claims, which have been criticised - not least by her compatriots living here who have come to the defence of their new home.
After a visit to Ireland, Ms Salasevicuite said that Lithuanian children in Ireland feel unsafe and experience what they feel is discrimination.
She said that in some Irish schools, children are prevented from speaking Lithuanian even with their brothers and sisters. The senior official added that in one (unnamed) Irish town, Lithuanian teenagers are beaten up because they are "more beautiful than Irish ones".
The Children's Rights Commissioner met teachers and senior figures in the Lithuanian community here. She concluded that Lithuanian children are not considered the equals of Irish ones but Lithuanian parents are afraid to register complaints with Irish authorities and don't know their rights.
In a statement amounting to a diplomatic rebuke, Iveagh House said: "We are aware of press reports about comments reportedly made by the Lithuanian Children's Rights Commissioner. The Irish Ambassador in Vilnius, Mr Donal Denham, contacted Ms Salasevicuite yesterday to discuss these remarks. The Department of Foreign Affairs has also contacted the Embassy of Lithuania in Dublin about this matter.
"It is clear that the allegations in these reported comments are without foundation. The Lithuanian authorities have made no complaint about the treatment of Lithuanian children by the Irish authorities."
As many as 100,000 Lithuanians may be living in Ireland - though the official figures register about 25,000. They are the second-largest migrant group, after Poles.
Lithuania's leading daily newspaper, Lietuvos Rytas, published an article questioning Ms Salasevicuite's claims.
One reader commented: "My family have been living in Ireland for five years already. One of my children has already finished high school and now studies in Dublin. The younger son is still in school. What I want to say is that the atmosphere in Irish schools has always been impeccable, Irish kids and teachers are very friendly.
"In the course of five years, my children have never been involved in any conflicts and haven't experienced any humiliation from the Irish. On the contrary, those were Lithuanian children that were more likely to cause trouble and pick on the Irish.
"As to the fact that Lithuanian children are not allowed to speak Lithuanian in schools - this is true, but it is correct! Children of other nationalities also study in Ireland and they don't speak their languages at school either. And nobody complains about it! So, leave Ireland alone - we are fine here! Mind your own problems!"
Another correspondent said: "If you choose to live abroad, then you must speak the local language and this is not discrimination at all, it is adaptation."
After the meeting with Mr Denham, Ms Salasevicuite confirmed that the Irish Ambassador had disputed her claims during frank exchanges but said she stood by her remarks.
She said that Lithuanian children were not subject to discrimination in all Irish schools. ¨We know of very good examples in the little towns," she said.
www.independent.ie/national-news/diplomatic-rebuke-in-beautiful-row-695345.html