The Traveller community experiences significantly higher levels of drug-related harm, barriers to treatment, and poorer outcomes compared to the general population, according to a new study.
Traveller Substance Use in Ireland: A National Study was conducted by researchers in Trinity College Dublin and has been described as the most comprehensive study of Traveller substance use in over 15 years.
It shows that the substance use is growing and significantly impacting Travellers across the country.
Despite representing less than 1% of Ireland's population, Travellers account for 2.5% of all recorded addiction treatment episodes.
The average age of first drug use among Travellers is 15 years.
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More than half of Travellers accessing treatment are parents, which highlights the wider family and community impact of addiction, according to the report.
Alcohol and opioids remain the main problem substances. There has also been a significant rise in cocaine use, particularly among Traveller men.
Traveller women experience high levels of prescription drug use. They are reluctant to seek help, reporting feelings of shame, stigma and fear of losing custody of their children.
The research shows the interconnection between substance use and mental health for Travellers, particularly Traveller women.
It also points to lower treatment completion rates amongst Travellers than the general population.
The issue has moved beyond shame and stigma to normalisation, according to Pavee Point Community Development Worker John Paul Collins.
He said it was "not normal for young children and families to be seeing this on a day to day basis."
The report has called for health-led targeted responses; co-developed and delivered in partnership with Travellers and Traveller organisations.
The recommendations include targeted measures for Traveller women - taking into consideration additional barriers, such as caring responsibilities.
It has also called for urgent finalisation and implementation of a new National Drugs Strategy and Action Plan, with specific actions for Travellers and direct representation of Traveller organisations on implementation structures.
The Minister with responsibility for the implementation of the new national drugs strategy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor pointed out that the strategy is currently in draft form.
She said she was listening to community organisations on the ground like Pavee Point to ensure that there is inclusion.
The minster allayed concerns of Pavee Point over the lack of Traveller representation on the Monitoring Board of the strategy when it is implemented.
She confirmed she would be meeting with heads of community task forces next week, who have raised concerns about the potential centralisation of drugs strategy in ireland.
