Press Release: Justice  12 November 2006

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12 November 2006

Green Party says Traveller suicides require more action from Government

The Green Party has called on Government to act immediately on the report 'Suicide and the Young Traveller' published by Catholic Youthcare last Friday. Green Party Justice Spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD intends to seek a debate on the issue in the Dáil next Tuesday.   The Report made recommendations calling for action to address the high rate of suicide amongst young Travellers. The Report stated that there have been thirty five suicides in the Travelling Community in West Dublin, in the last 18 months.

Green Party Justice Spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD stated:

"This is an appallingly high figure and requires immediate action from Government. According to figures cited by Junior Minister Tim O'Malley, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children over 80% of people believe that Government is not doing enough to raise awareness about and prevent suicide.

"The Government should ensure that Travellers have greater access to counselling; better access to Mental Health services; increased support for children that have experienced suicide in their family or community, and increased information on the issue of suicide.

"A contributing factor to suicide is a lack of self-esteem. As a public representative Minister O'Malley should reflect on his remarks last August when he stated in regard to Travellers that 'their appearance is treated with groans of despair in every town and village in Ireland.' Such remarks are demeaning and undermine the self-worth of the Traveller Community and it is worrying that such a remark would come from a senior political figure.

"There are good and bad apples in every community. However Minister O'Malley should ensure that he treats members of the Traveller community with the respect that all deserve, regardless of the action of particular individuals.

"Many Traveller families are still living in appalling conditions in 2006, on the side of roads and under high voltage electricity pylons.

If Minister O'Malley is serious about tackling suicide he should ensure that his Government and local authorities place more priority on the needs of the Travelling Community.

"It an indictment of his Government that this report was funded from National Lottery allocations, private companies and charities rather than directly by his Department."