Ward calls for implementation of national Traveller mental health action plan

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health Mark Ward TD has called on the government to implement a National Action Plan for Traveller Mental Health.

Ward was speaking outside the Dáil after a protest by Traveller groups.

The Dublin Mid-West TD said that Traveller groups are calling for a “radical” change in mental health care.

“They called for the implementation of a National Action Plan for Traveller Mental Health. They called for the establishment of an Ombudsman for Travellers, and they called for a state apology,” he noted.

“These issues have been going on for years; in June 2022, I stood in solidarity with Traveller groups and campaigners who protested outside the Dáil calling for a National Action Plan for Traveller Mental Health.”

“In November 2021, a Joint Oireachtas Report was published on the key issues affecting Traveller communities and there were 84 recommendations in the report on how to improve the lives of Travellers in health, employment, education and accommodation. Each one of these affects mental health.”

“90% of Travellers say mental health problems were common in their community; 11% of Travellers will die by suicide.”

Ward called the statistics “shocking” and noted that the rate is seven times higher among members of the Traveler community than the general population.

“While we can all get lost in statistics, behind each one of those percentages there is a man, woman or child with hopes, dreams and aspirations just like anybody else.”

“I have supported the campaigners who every year call for a National Action Plan for Traveller Mental Health.

“This plan must have the appropriate resources in place and must be culturally appropriate.

“Mental health problems within the Travelling Community are systemic of wider problems that Travellers face in accessing appropriate accommodation, education and employment opportunities.

The recently re-elected TD said “Travellers experience racism and exclusion daily.”

“Deficient and substandard living conditions as well as precarious accommodation and homelessness, have a severe detrimental impact on mental health.

“Lower educational outcomes have a damaging impact on employment opportunities, while chronic unemployment then leads to negative consequences on mental health.

“The 84 recommendations in the report, if implemented, would go a long way towards addressing this.

“I have written to the Minister for Health and asked that a National Traveller Mental Health Action Plan is put in place.”