‘Only good thing for us is €1bn on mental health – as we are in despair’
DONEGAL farmer Stuart Wilson had strong words for Government on the back of the Budget.
He said the €1bn mental health investment “is a good thing because it will help farmers neglected by this Government”.
Mr Wilson, from Horn Head, Co Donegal, faces the threat of Brexit across the Border and said farming had become “almost impossible” due to the effects of poor weather, the price inflation for feed, and a drop in lamb prices.
The father of three had hoped the Government would provide a stimulus package to boost the industry: “But there’s nothing there for me.
“Farmers needed the Government to put money aside for a rainy day for farmers for years like this, for when there’s a severe shortage of fodder and severe weather like this year but they didn’t do it in the Budget.
“I’m glad there has been the €1bn mental health investment though because a lot of farmers will avail of that support. So many farmers are in despair.”
Mr Wilson said he had “no faith” in the hardship fund – similar schemes had existed and had been “impossible” to access. “I don’t feel the suckler fund is good enough either,” he said. “It’s just not enough investment.”
He said it was imperative Donegal had “proper political representation” for farmers: “We just don’t seem to have that. This Budget shines a light on that fact.
“It’s rained up here nonstop for three days and it’s flooding in some parts but who’s coming to assist us? No one.”