Traveller discrimination and racism impacting health outcomes – report
Oireachtas Committee makes 69 recommendations, citing stark differences in life expectancy, infant mortality and suicide rates among Traveller community compared to general population
Oireachtas Committee makes 69 recommendations, citing stark differences in life expectancy, infant mortality and suicide rates among Traveller community compared to general populationDiscrimination against Travellers is severely impacting their health outcomes, with ‘an erosion of trust’ within the community due to ‘generations of unequal treatment and unmet commitments’, an Oireachtas Committee report has found. Publishing its Report on Traveller Health, the Joint Committee on Key Issues affecting the Traveller Community outlined how many members of this community have a fear and distrust of medical professionals, stemming from previous experiences. “Systemic and social racism against Travellers are prevalent in all parts of Irish society, with both direct and indirect discrimination affecting Travellers’ quality of life and health outcomes,” the report noted. “Many witnesses cited a fear and distrust of medical professionals and of the healthcare system among Travellers, in part due to the historical prevalence of medical discrimination and mistreatment against Travellers. ”The report references research from UCD into Traveller health awareness and outcomes, which noted that racism and discrimination are among the root causes of why many Travellers don’t attend screening services, access healthcare or adopt more healthier lifestyles. The stark disparities in mental health outcomes among the community were also highlighted. Among Travellers, suicide rates are six times higher than the settled population, while infant mortality is three-and-a-half times higher. According to the 2010 All Ireland Traveller Health Study (AITHS), average life expectancy is over 15 years lower for Traveller men, and 11. 5 years lower for Traveller women, when compared to national figures. Committee chair and Labour TD George Lawlor said the report is published ‘with a deep sense of responsibility and urgency’. “The evidence laid before the Committee is stark, unambiguous, and profoundly troubling. It reveals a pattern of racism, discrimination, and systemic neglect that has left an entire ethnic community feeling abandoned within its own country,” he said. “The findings speak to a pervasive lack of hope among Travellers – an erosion of trust that has taken root after generations of unequal treatment and unmet commitments. “This report does not simply outline policy failures; it exposes the human cost of those failures. The disparities in health outcomes, the disproportionate burden of mental ill health, and the lived experiences shared with the Committee all point to a crisis that can no longer be met with incremental or symbolic responses. The status quo has already inflicted too much harm. ”The report makes 69 recommendations to improve healthcare access, services and outcomes for the Traveller community. Among those are the introduction of anti-racism training for workers engaging with Travellers, and improving access to mental health services for Travellers in the justice system. Other calls-to-action include:Review and lower the eligible age for CervicalCheck cervical screening for Traveller women to 20 years of age, in recognition of earlier average age of marriage within the Traveller community and the associated earlier onset of HPV exposure risk;Ensure permanent funding and hire more suicide crisis assessment nurses to ensure universal access for all Travellers across the country; andImprove the standard of Traveller accommodation as a factor of healthcare inequality through the Department of Housing and local authorities. The committee also urged the Government to implement the recommendations of similar reports produced during previous Dáil terms, as well as actions highlighted in Pavee Point’s ‘Beyond the Poverty Trap’ report and updates from the HSE Traveller and Roma Mental Health Working Group. “A radical change of direction from government departments, State agencies, and public services is now urgently required,” Deputy Lawlor added. “Only a coordinated, sustained, and accountable shift in approach will begin to reverse the serious hardships faced by Travellers in Ireland. This must include meaningful engagement with Traveller organisations, culturally appropriate service provision, and a recognition – finally – of the dignity, identity, and rights of the Traveller community. ”