Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 March 2026
446. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health when additional funding will be provided for the expansion of mental health services for the delivery of peer-led Traveller specific mental health supports through Traveller primary health care projects, including local Traveller specific initiatives providing timely and appropriate interventions in a mental health crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23106/26]
View answer449. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health her plans to provide dedicated funding to train peer support outreach workers from the Traveller community working with young members of the Traveller community who are vulnerable to suicide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23109/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 446 and 449 together.
Travellers are noted as priority groups in both Ireland’s national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision and the suicide reduction strategy, Connecting for Life. Both policies recognise the vulnerability to and increased risk of mental health difficulties and suicidal behaviour of Travellers, and that these should be taken into consideration in the development and delivery of mental health services to Travellers. The Government's ongoing investment in mental health services continues to support the reform and enhancement of mental health services in Ireland through these policies.
Government policy relating to supporting Traveller and Roma communities is currently outlined in the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy (NTRIS). The strategy is a cross-departmental initiative and contains a set of specific actions aimed at improving the situation for Traveller and Roma communities in Ireland including mental health.
In addition, the HSE’s National Traveller Health Action Plan (NTHAP, 2022-2027) provides a roadmap for improving health experiences and outcomes for Travellers.
I have made significant additional funding for culturally appropriate Mental Health supports available for Travellers as follows,
2025 Funding – Total funding for Traveller Mental Health
|
Initiative |
€ |
|
National Traveller Counselling Service (Exchange House) |
330,000 |
|
Traveller mental health coordinators (WTE x9) |
495,000 |
|
Offaly Traveller Movement |
157,296 |
|
Sligo Traveller Support Group CLG |
55,030 |
|
Meath Travellers Workshops GLG |
28,571 |
|
Galway Traveller Movement Company Limited by Guarantee |
12,600 |
|
Laois Traveller Action Group |
7,550 |
|
Offaly Traveller Movement |
157,296 |
|
Mental Health Actions within the National Traveller Health Action Plan |
290,000 |
|
Traveller Youth MH - Youth work and counselling/psychotherapy |
370,000 |
|
Culturally appropriate supports for Travellers: Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service and NCP for Self-Harm and Suicide Related Ideation: |
365,000 |
|
Total for 2025 |
2,268,343 |
2026
An additional €480,000 is allocated by Minister Butler to support Traveller Mental Health initiatives in 2026. These initiatives include co-created Traveller/Roma Led Mental health projects aligned to relevant strategies and action plans, support for the work of the Traveller Mental Health Network, Criminal Justice System Peer Support, Mental Health First Aid, peer navigator, bespoke online suicide prevention training, and a surveillance system for death by probable suicide among Travellers. Funding is recurrent.
Total funding for 2026 (recurring base + new development)
€2,268,343 + €480,000 = €2,748,343
As your question regarding the number of Traveller peer support mental health workers in post is an operational matter, I have referred that part of your question to the HSE for direct reply to you.
