Erin McGreehan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is very welcome to the House and I thank him for coming. I have submitted this matter for inclusion in the Commencement debate a few times and I am delighted to be called today.

My ask today is for the Minister to consider including a disability accessibility adaption grant for farming families under the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme, TAMS 3, in order to make farm equipment, farm machinery and farmyards more accessible for persons with a disability. As we know TAMS 3 is a vital programme that provides financial support for farmers to modernise their farming practices, equipment and facilities. The programme has had very positive effect on farmers who have been able to improve their yields, increase their income and improve their sustainability practices.

However, we cannot ignore the needs of the disabled community. Farmers with disabilities face additional challenges when it comes to modernising their farming practices, equipment and facilities. We must ensure that TAMS 3 works for all and is accessible to all farming families regardless of ability. Therefore, I strongly suggest that we consider adding disability accessibility adaption and assistive technology to the list of eligible areas for TAMS 3 funding. This would allow farmers with a disability to access the resources they need to modernise the operations.

Agricultural work can be mentally and physically demanding. This does not mean that people with disabilities cannot enter the field or must stop farming after illness or injury. Many people living with disabilities choose agriculture for their career. According to CSO statistics there are approximately 136,000 farmers in the country and an average of 13.5% of the population with a disability. This means that approximately 16,000 farmers could have a disability. This does not include farming family members or workers employed on farms. Surely these farmers deserve the opportunity to be supported.

Many farmers are already struggling with low commodity prices, severe weather, long hours and all of the additional pressures on farming families. We need to ensure there are no added barriers for farmers and farming families with disabilities. There should be a method to keep farmers with disabilities updated on emerging agricultural technologies and to provide them with information on assistive technologies. An example of assistive technology includes modified machinery for those who cannot independently climb onto traditional tractors and modified farm equipment that is wheelchair accessible.

We could also look at a national agri-ability project aimed at enhancing the quality of life for farmers and other agricultural workers with disabilities so that they, their families and their communities continue to succeed in rural Ireland. An agri-ability programme would help persons with disabilities obtain gainful employment in productive agriculture. It would provide access to appropriate assistive technologies needed for work and for daily living activities. It would have evidence-based information related to the treatment and rehabilitation of disabling conditions and it would provide support for family caregivers to the farmer. A programme such as this would address a wide variety of disabling conditions in agriculture. I hope the Minister can look at this proposal and give me a favourable outcome.