Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As a proud rural TD representing the constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny, I am acutely aware that there are many stresses for farmers a lot of which are outside their control. As a result, farmers are considered a group at risk of developing mental health issues. With the pressures of farming increasing, one in four farmers faces burnout. These are all over my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny in the likes of Glynn, Ballymurphy, Kilmaganny, Bennettsbridge, Drummin, Ballyragget, Stonyford and Hugginstown. Last year DCU's farm health project and Teagasc exposed worrying trends in farmers' mental health. In a survey of 351 farmers, 71% said they would seek professional help if they were experiencing a mental health challenge but 54% do not know how to contact the local mental health clinic.

Some 25% do not know where to go to receive health services, 24% do not know how to get the number of a suicide prevention hotline and 22% do not know where to get information about mental illness. Farmers feel that the mental health supports that are available are often unsuitable for farmers. As the Minister will know, it is a specific measure in the programme for Government to put a specific focus on farmers' mental health and well-being. I look forward to working with the Minister on implementing those ambitions.

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