Minister lists help sources for under pressure farmers
Asked by Labour TD Jack Wall if he was concerned at the high levels of stress and depression among farmers, Minister Walsh said farmers, like their urban counterparts, experience many pressures and uncertainties.
These are associated with their work and income situation and can be compounded if the person is ill, living alone or in poor financial circumstances.
He said he was particularly aware of difficulties due to herd depopulation and the uncertainties of farming. Minister Walsh said Teagasc advisers and district veterinary staff have received specific training to provide free advice to depopulated farmers, since July 2002.
He revealed that provisional figures for 2001 show, as in previous years, a lower percentage of farm households suffering consistent poverty than urban or non-farm rural households 3.2% for farm households, compared to 7.2% for non-farm rural and 4.3% for urban households.
Minister Walsh said the revised national anti-poverty strategy, NAPS, includes a specific focus on rural poverty and disadvantage, and also has objectives relating to rural health and access to health services in rural areas. NAPS aims to reduce the number of farm and non-farm rural dwellers who are consistently poor to below 2%.
At the beginning of 2003, nearly 8,500 low income farm families were receiving farm assist payments from the Department of Social and Family Affairs, he said.
He said he was aware the Samaritans and the IFA launched an advertising campaign last year to help farmers suffering from stress and depression to overcome their reluctance to seek help.
Minister Walsh said he established the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council (FAWAC) last year. He said its objective is to provide a framework throughout the country within which problems can be spotted before they become critical or overwhelming.
