The plight of Cavan and Monaghan farmers experiencing difficulties during this period of wet weather was raised with the Minister of Agriculture in the Seanad yesterday. Senator Robbie Gallagher told Charlie McConnalogue he was "very concerned about the mental health of many of our farmers".
Acknowledging that all farmers face increasing challenges, with falling incomes, higher costs, increased regulation, red tape, isolation and long working hours, Senator Gallagher said the consistenet rainfall affects no one more than it does the farming community. The Monaghan-based senator called on the minister to support farmers "and do so often."
In response, Charlie McConnalogue said 67,000 farmers signed up to the fodder scheme last year, he reminded farmers of the advice available through Teagasc, and the recently announced fodder transport scheme. Senator Gallagher ended the question session in the Seanad by "pleading with anybody not to suffer alone and to reach out for the help that is there."
