Probe into web comments about Roma

Gardaí are investigating an Irish online forum over comments aimed at the Roma community.

Dublin TD Maureen O’Sullivan has asked Justice Minister Alan Shatter if the site would be liable under the Incitement to Hatred Act if racist comments were found to be made.

The posts on the private members’ site followed the recent cases where children were removed from two Roma families by gardaí.

The HSE and gardaí yesterday submitted their internal reports on those cases to Children’s Minister Frances Fitzgerald and Justice Minister Alan Shatter.

Ms Fitzgerald said she forwarded the HSE reports to the Children’s Ombudsman Emily Logan, who is conducting an inquiry. Mr Shatter said he was studying the Garda reports and would send them to Ms Logan.

Meanwhile, gardaí are investigating complaints over a series of comments about Roma people on an internet forum of animal sports fans.

Alleged remarks referred to the Roma as “vermin” and advised people to keep an eye on their blonde children. Another post referred to two Roma producing a “blonde pup”.

Mr Shatter said the gardaí were investigating and any further action was a matter for them.