I want to ask about a recent report into mental health in Traveller communities. According to a report published by Traveller organisations in Clondalkin, Ballyfermot and Tallaght more than two thirds of Travellers have lost a loved one to suicide. Racism and discrimination are the primary cause of suicide among Travellers. Structural racism in areas such as healthcare and housing was identified as underpinning many of the challenges faced by Travellers. Travellers make up 13% of the homeless population despite accounting for only 1% of the general population. What will the Government do to address the issues identified in the report and to tackle the housing deprivation and other structural inequalities faced by Travellers?

I thank Deputy O'Callaghan for raising this serious and worrying situation. I met Traveller representative organisations last year. I met the Traveller disability group in Cork and the national organisation. Suffice it to say it is very worrying. Without question there has been an increase in suicides among the Traveller community and particularly among young people. We have to examine this in depth. It relates to a range of issues. Above all, where Traveller groups participate in education there has to be follow-through in work. In our approaches we have to change the attitude to the issue across society. What I find deeply worrying is that many young people in the Traveller community say to their parents they have done their leaving certificate but they are finding it very difficult to get work. This is clearly because of attitudes and approaches.

We are over time, I am sorry.

We have to change this. People must feel part of society and feel they have an opportunity. This is vital for mental health and respect.

I am sorry but we are way over time.

My apologies.