Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 April 2025
600. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how he plans to prioritise improvements in farmer mental health and well-being supports, recognising the unique challenges faced by those in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15293/25]
View answerThis Government is prioritising farm safety, health and wellbeing through the appointment of a Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae T.D. with specific responsibility for the area and a Programme for Government that includes a specific focus on farm safety, mental health and well-being.
I secured dedicated funding of €2.5 million in Budget 2025 to build on previous efforts to improve the safety, health and wellbeing of our farming community. This funding will be used to deliver a range of initiatives, including ones focussing on farmer mental health and well-being, this year.
My Department, along with the HSE and the Department of Health, are continuing to co-fund a farmers physical and mental health awareness programme called ‘On Feirm Ground 2’. This programme is providing training for agricultural advisors, vets, Department staff and other professionals, to signpost farmers to supports in relation to health and wellbeing.
Last year, I supported twenty farm safety, health and wellbeing projects under an Open Call, over half of which focused on farmer's mental health and wellbeing. The 2025 Open Call is being finalised and will include a call for projects focussing on mental health and wellbeing supports.
Recognising the link between fatigue and farm safety, health and wellbeing, the HSA’s ‘Guidance on Managing Fatigue with Farm Work’ booklet will be distributed in the 2025 BISS packs.
Farm safety, health and wellbeing is a priority for me and my colleague Minister Healy-Rae. This Government will continue to invest in supporting the health and wellbeing of farmers for their benefit, the benefit of their families and the rural communities in which they work and live in.
