Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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313. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if any Departmental research has been undertaken into the mental health impacts of climate-related crop failure or weather events on farmers; if psychological supports are integrated into CAP advisory services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36699/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Farm safety, health and wellbeing is a priority for this Government. The Programme for Government has a specific focus on farmer mental health and well-being, recognising the unique challenges faced by the sector. I secured dedicated funding of €2.5 million In Budget 2025 which enables my Department to continue to implement existing and new initiatives to improve farm safety, health and wellbeing.

As part of the recent 2025 Thematic Research Call issued by my Department, I sought proposals that focus on farmer’s safety, health and wellbeing including proposals focusing on “Enhancing Farmer Resilience: Understanding the impact of crisis events on farmers’ wellbeing and designing practical supports to help them to adapt to and deal with the effects”. Such crises events include disease outbreaks and weather events. Applications under this thematic call are currently being evaluated with the first tranche of awards expected to be announced later this year.

My Department has also supported the UCD-led study “Farming Minds: Developing evidence-based interventions to enhance farmer mental health”.

My Department, in collaboration with the HSE and the Department of Health, are co-funding On Feirm Ground 2’. The programme aims to equip farm advisors, Department staff, private veterinary practitioners, farming organisations, and other agri-professionals and service providers with the necessary skills to engage and signpost farmers to health services.

Earlier this year, I funded the printing and distribution of the HSA’s ‘Guidance on Managing Fatigue with Farm Work’ booklet to approximately 125,000 farmers.

Farm safety, health and wellbeing is a priority for me and my colleague, Michael Healy-Rae T.D., Minister of State with special responsibility for Farm Safety. This Government will continue to engage with stakeholders and invest in supports to improve the health and wellbeing of farmers and the farming community.