An estimated 90% of Travellers report ongoing mental health difficulties while 11% die by suicide, which is over seven times the national average. Four out of five Travellers say they have been directly affected by suicide, with nearly half losing someone in their own family. These are not just shocking statistics; these are families devastated, communities grieving and lives lost far too young. We cannot talk about mental health without talking about discrimination. Discrimination against Travellers is widespread and absolutely normalised in this State, with 36% of people in this State saying they actively avoid Travellers and 97% saying they would not accept a Traveller into their family. This is the reality and it is shameful. When will the Government stop dragging its feet and bring forward a proper national Traveller mental health strategy? Will the Government underpin it with legislation to guarantee that it is not just another plan that gathers dust but one that delivers real change on the ground in services, outcomes and in respect?

I take this issue very seriously. I have met with Traveller organisations and agree that it is a very serious situation. I will ask the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health to respond.

I thank the Deputy for her question and for raising the issue of mental health supports for the Travelling community. It is great to hear it being raised on the floor of the Dáil. I have worked very closely with the Travelling community, including visiting Pavee Point on many occasions. We also fund Exchange House in Dublin, specifically in relation to suicide prevention. I am pleased to say that we have seen the suicide numbers trending downwards. The preliminary figures we received for 2023 indicate that the numbers are down 25% on the previous 20 years, to 302. That said, it is still 302 too many. This year I have supported community workers in relation to mental health across the entire Travelling community. We also have suicide bereavement supports in place across the country. There is a huge amount more to do and I am happy to engage with Deputy Ní Raghallaigh on it.