Ivana Bacik
Ceist:755. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health the status of the Government’s plans to introduce a new national Traveller mental health strategy. [35713/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 5 July 2022
Ceisteanna (755)
Freagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government commits to the publication of a National Traveller Health Action Plan to address the health needs of Travellers, using a social determinants approach. The lead role in developing the action plan rests with the HSE, in conjunction with Traveller organisations. A HSE steering committee, which included representatives of Traveller organisations, has drafted the action plan, to address the health needs of Travellers. The action plan will include actions relating to Traveller mental health. The plan is nearing finalisation and is due to be published in September.
The National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (NTRIS) is the Government policy framework for addressing the health and other needs of Travellers. The Strategy includes 10 actions relating to mental health and suicide among Travellers. It acknowledges that mental health difficulties and the increased risk of suicide are significant issues for this community, caused by many social determinants.
The Report of the Joint Committee on Key Issues affecting the Traveller Community, published in November 2021, contains 21 recommendations relating to the health, and mental health needs of Travellers. These actions and recommendations will be taken into account in the development of the Traveller health action plan.
Travellers are noted as priority groups in the mental health policy, Sharing the Vision (STV) and suicide reduction strategy, Connecting for Life (CFL). Both recognise the vulnerability to and increased risk of mental health and suicidal behaviour by Travellers, and that these should be considered in the way mental health services are delivered to Travellers.
Additionally, the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) provides funding (over €600,000 over 2019 and 2020) to Exchange House to run the National Traveller Mental Health Service. It aims to improve the overall well-being of Travellers and reduce the likelihood of suicide or self-harm within the community.
I am committed to providing the leadership and resources to ensure the implementation of the Traveller health action plan, once agreed. I want to work with all stakeholders to improve the health experiences and outcomes for Travellers, in a comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable manner.