Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
589. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the efforts ongoing by his Department to address issues around farmer mental health and wellbeing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35533/23]
View answerI thank the Deputy for this question on such an important topic.
This Government has prioritised farm safety, health and wellbeing. In 2023, dedicated funding of €2.5m was allocated for a range of initiatives that included support to promote increased awareness of the importance of health and wellbeing among farmers.
My Department, along with the HSE and the Department of Health, has co-funded a farmers physical and mental health awareness programme called ‘On Feirm Ground’. This programme is providing training for agricultural advisors to engage with and signpost farmers to supports in relation to health and wellbeing. Plans are currently being finalised to expand this programme to Department staff and other professionals who are in regular contact with farmers.
My Department is funding eight farm safety European Innovation Partnership projects to the value of €1.8m including four projects focused on farmers’ mental health. Additional funding was made available to extend these projects into 2023.
I have provided support for further research into farmer mental health. The DCU led FarmHealth Research Project is examining farmers mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviour to inform the development of an educational mental health intervention for farmers.
The most recent Thematic Research Call sought proposals on a range of research themes including proposals focusing on farmer’s safety, health and wellbeing. Proposals received under this call are currently being assessed.
The Department supports the work of the HSA’s Farm Safety Partnership and was involved in the publication of the “Farmers’ Health and Wellbeing - A Guide to Staying Healthy While Farming” booklet, which includes a section on coping with stress and minding your mental health. The booklet was included in the 2023 BISS packs issued to over 122,000 farmers.
As we fully recognise the unique set of pressures farmers are experiencing this Government will continue to invest in supporting the health and wellbeing of farmers and the rural communities in which they live.
