Peter 'Chap' Cleere
Ceist:878. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the mental health supports that are in place for farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29661/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 28 April 2026
Ceisteanna (878, 879)
Peter 'Chap' Cleere
Ceist:879. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions his Department is taking to promote farm safety; the measures that are in place currently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29662/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 878 and 879 together.
Farm safety, health and wellbeing is a priority for this Government. There is a specific focus in the Programme for Government on farm safety, mental health and wellbeing, recognising the unique challenges faced by the sector.
This year, through dedicated funding of €3 million which I secured in Budget 2026, my Department will deliver a range of initiatives to promote best practices when it comes to farm safety and support the mental health and wellbeing of our farmers.
These initiatives include:
• In collaboration with the Health Service Executive and the Department of Health, I am co-funding On Feirm Ground 2 programme
• An open call for farmer safety, health and wellbeing projects. Proposals received in response to the call are currently being evaluated.
• The issuing of a tender inviting proposals for initiatives to promote awareness of children’s and young person’s safety among second level students.
• A contract for the promotion of children’s and young person’s safety on farms at shows and events is currently being finalised.
• The delivery of a series of targeted media campaigns focused on a range of high-risk areas including safety around livestock and machinery safety.
• The Acceleration of Wear and Tear Allowances for Farm Safety Equipment Scheme.
• The planned re-opening this year of the National Farm Safety Measure which grant aids PTO shaft covers.
• The distribution of the HSA’s ‘Farming in Older Age’ leaflet to 125,000 farmers through the 2026 BISS packs.
Further proposals for this year are being progressed and will be announced in due course.
In addition, the TAMS3 Farm Safety Capital Investment Scheme grant aids a wide range of farm safety related investments.
Last year, in recognition of the close link between fatigue and farmer safety and mental health, my Department distributed the HSA’s booklet on ‘Guidance on Managing Fatigue with Farm Work’ as part of the BISS packs to farmers.
This Government will continue to invest in initiatives which support the mental health and wellbeing of our farmers and farming community.
Question No. 879 answered with Question No. 878.