Relevant Matter
Public policy or programme
Public Policy Area
Agriculture
Period
1 May, 2025 to 31 Aug, 2025
Specific Details
Farmer Mental Health & Wellbeing
Intended results
To highlight that farming is more than an occupation in Ireland. It is a way of life that shapes our rural communities, our economy, and our national identity. But behind pride, tradition, and hard work, there is a growing and pressing concern the mental health and wellbeing of our farmers.
That a recent study conducted by University College Dublin has laid bare the extent of this crisis. More than half of the farmers surveyed reported levels of depression ranging from moderate to extremely severe. Nearly 45 percent experienced significant anxiety, and over one-third reported high levels of stress.
Perhaps most worrying, almost one in four farmers surveyed was found to be at risk of suicide. These are not just statistics. They represent real people - our neighbours, our friends, our family members who are experiencing severe distress, often in silence.
To stress the importance of initiatives to raise awareness, train agricultural advisers in mental health literacy, and provide better access to rural services. However, we now need to move beyond recognition. We need action that is co-ordinated, properly funded, and grounded in what farmers themselves are telling us.
To emphasise how these figures paint a stark picture. This is not just stress, it is a persistent lack of calm, a lack of hope, and a lack of confidence in one's own ability to cope. It is emotional wear and tear accumulated over years of pressure, isolation, and unrelenting expectation. And for many, this emotional strain is invisible until it becomes unbearable.
Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity
Alice Doyle IFA Deputy President, Teresa Roche IFA Farm Family & Social Affairs Chair, Claire McGlynn IFA Policy Executive
Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?)
No
Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign?
No
Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client?
No
Lobbying activity
The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.
Designated public officials lobbied
The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them.
As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.
Aindrias Moynihan
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Danny Healy-Rae
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Eileen Lynch
Senator (Seanad)
Joanne Collins
Senator (Seanad)
Joe Cooney
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Martin Kenny
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Michael Fitzmaurice
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Natasha Newsome Drennan
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Paraic Brady
Senator (Seanad)
Paul Daly
Senator (Seanad)
Paul Lawless
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
Peter 'Chap' Cleere
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)
William Aird
TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)