Traveller Campaigners Protested Outside The Dáil For Action On Mental Health Issues In The Community

Tuesday, 31 May 2022 15:41

By Caoimhe Harney

File image: Cllr. Peter O'Brien/via Twitter

The National Traveller Mental Health Network has also said that successive governments have failed to address the "dire conditions" in which Travellers are living.

Traveller campaigners protested outside the Dail today to demand government action.

They're calling for the government to tackle high rates of mental health illness and suicide in the community.

Studies show the suicide rate among travellers is seven times higher than those in the settled community.

Eight in ten travellers also find themselves unemployed.

The Traveller Mental Health Network organised the protest, it said that successive governments have failed to address the "dire conditions" in which Travellers are living.

Hugh Friel from the Donegal Traveller Project says not enough's being done to support them.

"We're having a pandemic within our community in relation to mental health issues and suicide," he said.

"We're asking the government basically, who is accountable?"

"All these strategic plans and aims and goals in relation to the traveller community is not working, " he insisted.

Great to see such crowd supporting the #accountability for #Travellers mental health camping. If you can't he here please contact your TDs to ask them to support better #mentalhealth services for Travellers We belong to the same place & space and we need to support each other. pic.twitter.com/FwkdxIet20
— Teresa Buczkowska 🅾️+ (@TBuczkowska) May 31, 2022

More from National News

Sharp Rise In M9 Collisions With Garda Call-Outs Up Year-On-Year

The figures, provided by An Garda Síochána, show a sharp increase compared to previous years.
Councillor Seeks Clarity On How Often Nightclubs and Late Bars In Naas Are Inspected For Fire Risks

Kildare Fire Service says all venues applying to renew their annual dance licence through the District Court were inspected in advance of the hearings.
New Figures From CSO Reveal How Much International Protection Applicants Earn Compared To Average Worker In Ireland

The data also found that a majority of asylum seekers entered the workforce once permitted to do so
Unpaid Eight-Month Work And Training Placement For Adults With Disabilities Branded "Extremely Unfair"

One Kildare mother told Kfm News that their child had been attending structured placements each weekday, typically from around 9:30am to 3pm, and in some cases carrying out tasks for up to two hours at a time - but are not receiving any form of payment.
Department Of Education Defends Kildare SNA Cuts Amid Claims Of Reduced Need At Some Schools

They said there "are many reasons why the level of need for SNA support in schools may fluctuate including falling enrolments, reduced or increased care needs and changing demographics as children move from primary to post-primary schools".
Naas Nurses Threaten Escalation As Staffing Row Deepens

Nurses spoke to Kfm News this week about issues they are dealing with on a daily basis.
Driving Tests Face Disruption As RSA Testers To Strike Next Week

The driving test centre in Naas is the only driving test centre in Kildare and attracts candidates from Kildare, Dublin, Wicklow and Laois.
Jury Delivers Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity Verdict In Ballyfin Demesne Strangling Case

31-year-old Henry McGowan, from Brooklyn, New York, was found to be having a psychotic episode when he strangled his father to death at the 5-star hotel.