Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)

An estimated 90% of Travellers report ongoing mental health difficulties while 11% die by suicide, which is over seven times the national average. Four out of five Travellers say they have been directly affected by suicide, with nearly half losing someone in their own family. These are not just shocking statistics; these are families devastated, communities grieving and lives lost far too young. We cannot talk about mental health without talking about discrimination. Discrimination against Travellers is widespread and absolutely normalised in this State, with 36% of people in this State saying they actively avoid Travellers and 97% saying they would not accept a Traveller into their family. This is the reality and it is shameful. When will the Government stop dragging its feet and bring forward a proper national Traveller mental health strategy? Will the Government underpin it with legislation to guarantee that it is not just another plan that gathers dust but one that delivers real change on the ground in services, outcomes and in respect?

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