merrion street

The Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality with special responsibility for Equality, Immigration, and Integration, David Stanton TD opened the Traveller Counselling Service Conference: “Traveller Mental Health- Bridging the Gap through Partnership” today at Dublin Castle.

Addressing the mental health issues facing the travelling community the Minister said “the reality that suicide in the Traveller Community in Ireland is seven times higher than the general population average is alarming. It is important that health services, particularly mental health services, be culturally appropriate, sensitive and specific.”

The Minister acknowledged the positive work being carried out by the Traveller Counselling Service and made particular reference to the specialist grief counselling service provided by them in the aftermath of the Carrickmines tragedy. The Minister said “this shows the importance of and the necessity for the Traveller Counselling Service and funding for this service will continue next year.”

The new National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy is currently in its final phase of development and the recent regional public consultations have concluded. The final draft of the Inclusion Strategy will be submitted to the Government before the end of 2016. An additional €1 million was obtained in funding in Budget 2017 to support Traveller initiatives which will support the advancement of the new Inclusion Strategy. The total fund now available for Traveller initiatives is approximately €3 million.