Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The committee does not have a monopoly on wisdom in this matter. Our role is to listen and try to help farm organisations improve the position by highlighting what is taking place. Most of those who have appeared before us, notably Mr. Kent, have referred to stress levels, bureaucracy and red tape on farms. I grew up on a farm and I do not seek to create a rural-urban divide. There is a perception, however, that farmers are hard-working people who lead a healthy lifestyle and do not experience stress or mental health problems. Modern farming is stressful. I ask the various organisations to comment briefly on the stress and bureaucracy farmers face.

I am pleased to note that the Health Service Executive and Teagasc work closely to try to improve farm safety. In private conversations with a number of individuals from farming organisations, I have been told there is enough red tape. I hope the work we are doing will not add to the bureaucracy faced by farmers as it is certainly not our intention. Perhaps Mr. Kent will make a brief comment before we conclude.