Traveller mental health advocates warn situation has 'never been as bad' 

The risk of suicide is six times higher for Travellers than the general population.

Traveller mental health advocates have warned the situation has "never been as bad", adding that families grieving the loss of a loved one through suicide risk online abuse from "keyboard warriors" if they raise the issue publicly.

Biddy McDonagh, a community health care worker with the Cork Traveller Visibility Group, and Roma health co-ordinator for the North-West Hugh Friel made the comments as the Bar of Ireland Human Rights Award was awarded to the National Traveller Mental Health Network.