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DUP's Emma Little-Pengelly voices concerns over 'exploitation' of Belfast Roma

DUP MP Emma Little-Pengelly, and right, the Romanian Roma Community Association of Northern Ireland
DUP MP Emma Little-Pengelly, and right, the Romanian Roma Community Association of Northern Ireland DUP MP Emma Little-Pengelly, and right, the Romanian Roma Community Association of Northern Ireland

THE DUP's Emma Little-Pengelly has added her voice to concerns over the alleged exploitation of south Belfast's Roma community.

The South Belfast MP's comments come after The Irish News revealed Belfast Trust correspondence exposing the scale of concerns.

Whistleblowers contacted the trust alleging that an organisation called the Romanian Roma Community Association of Northern Ireland (RRCANI) was charging Roma "large sums of money" for benefits advice – and "fraudulently filling out benefits applications without their consent".

In response, the trust moved its Early Years services from RRCANI's offices in the Holylands area to another venue. RRCANI strongly denies the allegations.

The details emerge after police last month said they were investigating "possible wrongdoing" after anonymous exploitation claims involving RRANI were published online.

Following the claims, intimidating posters appeared on walls in south Belfast which named and made false allegations about two Early Years staff, who worked closely with vulnerable members of the Roma community. The incident was reported to police.

The Green Party's Clare Bailey and the SDLP's Claire Hanna, both South Belfast MLAs, have already voiced concerns.

Ms Pengelly told The Irish News: "Concerns raised must be fully investigated by all relevant agencies.

"What is important is to ensure that services paid for by the taxpayer are actually being properly delivered and that those in need of the services have full access and get the benefit.

"The allegations involved are serious, concerning and require investigation.

"Reports of subsequent intimidation of anyone who raised concerns must be condemned by all. This is wrong, must stop and must be fully investigated also."