Sinn Féin’s youngest election candidate in the upcoming local elections, James Stokes, has addressed the Seanad today, where he called for the delivery of a national Traveller Mental Health Strategy without delay.

Mr Stokes, who is standing for election in the Newbridge LEA in Kildare, told the Seanad:

“My name is James Stokes, an 18-year-old Irish Traveller from Newbridge, County Kildare. Statistics paint a stark picture: 90% of Travellers report widespread mental health issues in their community, with a staggering 11% dying by suicide, a rate over seven times higher than the general population. Suicide has touched 82% of Travellers, with 44% experiencing it within their immediate or extended family. 

“Additionally, 36% of Irish people admit to avoiding interaction with Travellers, indicating a troubling level of discrimination. Shockingly, 97% would not accept Travellers as members of their family; 80% would not accept a Traveller as a friend; and 44% would not want Travellers to be members of their community.

“The gravity of the situation cannot be overstated. We are in crisis right now.

“Each statistic represents a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community in mourning. It’s a stark reminder of the urgent need for action. We cannot afford to wait idly by, hoping that the next tragedy will not touch our own doorstep.

“It’s evident that successive governments have failed to address the systemic challenges faced by Travellers. This is not a matter of political rhetoric but the grim reality of our times. It’s time for change. A National Traveller Mental Health Strategy must be implemented now.”