Youth activist from Newbridge, County Kildare, addresses Seanad on topic of Traveller mental health

A youth activist from Newbridge addressed the Seanad earlier today in relation to Traveller mental health.

James Stokes, who is Sinn Féin’s youngest election candidate in the upcoming local elections at just 18 years of age, called for 'the delivery of a national Traveller Mental Health Strategy without delay.'

Mr Stokes, who is also a member of the Travelling Community, told the Seanad: "Statistics paint a stark picture: 90 per cent of Travellers report widespread mental health issues in their community, with a staggering 11 per cent dying by suicide, a rate over seven times higher than the general population.

"Suicide has touched 82 per cent of Travellers, with 44 per cent experiencing it within their immediate or extended family."

He continued: "Additionally, 36 per cent of Irish people admit to avoiding interaction with Travellers, indicating a troubling level of discrimination.

"Shockingly, 97 per cent would not accept Travellers as members of their family, 80 per cent would not accept a Traveller as a friend, and 44 per cent would not want Travellers to be members of their community.

"The gravity of the situation cannot be overstated: we are in crisis right now."

Mr Stokes further said that each statistic 'represents a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community in mourning.'

He added: "It's a stark reminder of the urgent need for action.

"We cannot afford to wait idly by, hoping that the next tragedy will not touch our own doorstep.

"It is evident that successive governments have failed to address the systemic challenges faced by Travellers... This is not a matter of political rhetoric, but the grim reality of our times."

"It’s time for change: a National Traveller Mental Health Strategy must be implemented now," he concluded.