Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Dr. Barrett mentioned the courses being run to help departmental officials engage with the farming community. He stated that he was not a therapist in the field, but that identifying issues with mental health or people who might be stressed would be helpful. Have those courses been extended to private veterinary practices? In the majority of cases, they are the first people who deal with potentially shocked farmers. The valuers are the second people on the scene and, in many respects, are considered departmental officials even though they are not. Have they been given training on managing their initial reactions or engagement with farmers?