Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The tragic loss of life in the Carrickmines fire has brought a renewed focus on the issue of Travellers' rights. This indigenous minority has been part of Irish society for countless centuries but for far too long has been marginalised and has suffered the worst forms of discrimination that cannot and should not be tolerated in any modern society. While examples of discrimination and marginalisation are plentiful, one of the most telling examples of how Travellers suffer disproportionately is demonstrated in the widespread health problems and appalling premature death rates recorded among their number. Life expectancy has grown across Ireland in recent years but serious health inequalities still exist. The All Ireland Traveller Health Study published in 2010 makes for grim reading. The extent of the inequalities that exist between the settled and Traveller people are utterly damning and this study, among other things, found that Traveller men and Traveller women have four times and three times, respectively, the mortality rate of the general population. In other words, life expectancy for male and female Travellers was found to be 15 and 11 years lower, respectively, than for the general population. The infant mortality rate for Traveller children is 3.5 times the rate of the general population. More than 52% of Travellers aged between 40 and 60 years who were interviewed had been diagnosed with high blood pressure in the previous year, compared with 35% of the general population and more than 42% of Travellers were diagnosed with high cholesterol in the previous year compared with 30% of the general population. Social determinants such as accommodation, education, employment, poverty, discrimination, lifestyle and access to and utilisation of services were the main causes of the gaps in levels of morbidity and mortality between Travellers and wider Irish society. One should make no mistake but the issues of mental health and suicide are tearing the heart out of Traveller communities. Suicide among Travellers is six times the rate of the general population and accounts for approximately 11% of all Traveller deaths. The suicide rate for Traveller women is six times higher than that for settled women and the rate for Traveller men is seven times higher. While shame and stigma regarding mental health is, sadly, still rampant across society as a whole, it appears that within Traveller communities, it is even worse. In addition, those affected and who seek help are left completely frustrated as service providers often do not understand Traveller culture. Culturally appropriate counselling services across Ireland are needed urgently to stem this tide of suicide.

All these issues must be addressed. Pavee Point has advocated for policies and practices to be underpinned by an intercultural approach and by principles of equality, diversity and anti-racism. This absolutely is what is needed. The Traveller community should be front and centre in the development of health services and practices designed and geared to its service. While I acknowledge and welcome the establishment of new structures under Healthy Ireland to address the health needs of all groups experiencing health inequalities, including Travellers, I believe the only way this issue can really be tackled is by the Government recognising Travellers as a distinct ethnic group and I seek the establishment of an all-Ireland forum including Travellers, political parties, local and central government, as well as representatives of the health and education sectors and the media to review how Travellers are treated in Irish society and to bring forward policies to ensure the State truly values and protects Traveller communities.

In conclusion, it is sad and most regrettable that Members are to divide on this issue in the Chamber tomorrow evening. That will not be a good day for Irish politics or Irish society in general and certainly not for the Traveller community. Consequently, I make this final appeal to Deputies from all parties and none to give their support to this motion. It is not too late to withdraw the amendment and surely, in the aftermath of this most recent dreadful tragedy at Carrickmines, Members can speak with one voice on this issue.

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