Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputies Moynihan and Cleere for raising very valid points. To respond to Deputy Moynihan first, I am looking at every engagement farmers have whether on the farm when someone like the AI man, the milk collection, the vet or the farm adviser visits or on the knowledge transfer walks. The Deputy talked about farm walks. Knowledge transfer groups are a great way of addressing farmer mental health and well-being. I take great heart from having seen farmer mental health and well-being becoming more prominent at the agriculture shows I have attended in recent years. There are now stands at those shows. This is not about having a day when farmers go to talk about their mental health; it is about incorporating it into everything they do. That is key.

The same point applies in responding to Deputy Cleere's contribution. On Feirm Ground is about advisers identifying farmers who are showing signs of distress. These are farmers the advisers know well who, in conversation when leaning over a gate, might say they are not feeling right. It is about equipping people like vets and officials in my Department to signpost supports to farmers because not knowing where to go can be a challenge. It is about making sure they are well equipped to point out and signpost those supports.

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