Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I concur with every word the Chairman has just said. I thank Ms Rohan for that opening statement. I read it earlier today. It was a rare moment where my breath caught. Ms Rohan's delivery was even more forceful. Her message has been heard loud and clear. I was especially struck when she invited us all to remember people who have lost their lives. All of us who are engaged on an ongoing basis with the agriculture sector could probably think of multiple people. I express my condolences to the family of Tommy Feeney from my constituency, who was killed recently. I did not know him but I know his death has had a substantial impact on his wife, their two young girls and the wider community. I was talking to farmers dozens of miles away who were struck by just how quickly these things can happen.

There is a particular challenge for us because, as has been said, people who are often derisorily described as part-time farmers are usually full-time farmers with another full-time job. That means, especially at this time of the year, that they are engaged in the most dangerous industry in the country, often in the dark, either early in the morning or late at night. That creates significant challenges because, as Senator Daly said, it involves dealing with big, potentially dangerous animals, chemicals and powerful machinery weighing several tonnes, while working alone, which would not be permitted in any other sector, yet tens of thousands of people are doing it.

We need to take heed of Ms Rohan's final message that this cannot be left to people who have another full-time job because they cannot derive a sustainable income from their land. As part of their role on the farm, as well as being the person who is dealing with the machinery and animals, a farmer is also expected to be an accountant, a bookkeeper, solicitor and legal expert and an expert on EU regulations and domestic legislation, as well as holding together a family, which can be stressful in the modern era. Farmers cannot be held solely responsible for adopting and implementing a farm safety policy. There need to be additional supports.

We previously discussed with the Minister of State, Deputy Heydon, how the Government and Department clearly have a role that they need to take up. There also has to be a role for the others along the market chain who are making money off an individual's work. There is a role for processors, retailers, factories, supermarkets and all of us in society to recognise that we have a challenge.

I do not know if the witnesses heard our interaction with the Minister of State. My specific question is about the issue of succession and the challenge it presents. We asked whether the Department could do more to provide supports to families in that situation. Ms Rohan's statement referred to a young wife who may not be from a farming background and is left with the burden of the farm and the challenges of knowing when the deadline for a scheme is. We suggested that the Department establish a section to support families and take them step by step through all the processes. The Minister of State indicated that a point person had been appointed. I gather from the witnesses' statement that this is not sufficient. I welcome any thoughts about how that could be improved.

Many good organisations support bereaved families.

I commend our guests on turning their family tragedy into a positive piece of action that has benefited hundreds of other families. What needs to be done to support families who are in that position on farms and in terms of the wider supports that could be provided?

I apologise that I have to attend another meeting at 7.30 p.m., but I look forward to listening to the witnesses' responses until then.