The Traveller community in Ireland is experiencing a mental health crisis, an Oirechtas committee has been told.
The community is facing unprecedented high rates of suicide and self-harm, with large amounts of Travellers on medication for anxiety and depression.
A number of Travellers told the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Key Issues Affecting Travellers that there is a lack of follow-on supports or referrals for Travellers who suffer from mental health issues or have been bereaved through suicide.
Figures show that Travellers experience a six times higher suicide rate, accounting for approximately 11% of all Traveller deaths.
Martin Reilly, of the National Traveller Mental Health Network, said Travellers face discrimination on a daily basis in all areas of their life.
