The Traveller community is facing a mental health crisis because of daily discrimination in all areas of their lives, an Oireachtas committee has been told.

TDs were told that there were high rates of suicide and self-harm in the community, and many Travellers on medication for anxiety and depression.

Some members of the community told the joint Oireachtas committee that there was a lack of follow-up support or referrals for those who suffer from mental health issues or have been bereaved through suicide. Figures show that the suicide rate in the community is six times higher than that in Ireland as a whole, accounting for approximately 11 per cent of all Traveller deaths.

Martin Reilly, of the National Traveller Mental Health Network, said the community