Farm Family Council Report May 2020

Activity Since Last National Council

• The National Public Health Emergency Team and Health Protection Surveillance Centre provided the following report, as of the 20^th May 2020 there has been:
  • A total of 1,571 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.
  • A total of 24,315 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
    • 57% are female and 43% are male
    • The median age of confirmed cases is 48 years
    • 3,164 cases (13%) have been hospitalised
    • Of those hospitalised, 393 cases have been admitted to ICU
    • 7,708 cases are associated with healthcare workers
  • Dublin has the highest number of cases at 11,733 (49% of all cases), followed by Kildare with 1,379 cases (6%) and then Cork with 1,376 cases (6%)
  • Of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 60%, close contact accounts for 37%, travel abroad accounts for 3%.
  • 87% of confirmed cases diagnosed with COVID-19 have recovered.
• IFA continues to provide advice and representation to farmers in relation to the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment. As of the 19^th May 8,600 people in the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing, Mining and Quarrying sectors were in receipt of the payment. For more information on the breakdown of payments click here.
• The following updates relate to Health and Safety:
  • There have been 8 farm fatalities officially recorded by HSA to date. IFA has issued several press releases with the clear message that farmers must put farm safety first on their farms
  • IFA is in the pre-planning phase for this year’s Farm Safety Week, which will take place from the 20^th to 24^th The overarching theme for the week will be – It’s Time to Take Safety Seriously.
  • The HSE has confirmed increased funding for Pieta House. In addition to the continuation of the existing HSE funding of €2.03m per year, the HSE has now formally agreed to additional funding of €114,608 per month.
  • The Department of Health has announced that influenza vaccines are to be made available without charge to all children between the age of 2 to 12 and all risk groups.
  • The Farming Resilience webpage continues to provide practical support to farm families on how to maintain both personal and business resilience.
  • A recent survey by Amárach has reported a sharp decline in mental wellbeing due to COVID-19, as many people’s emotional needs are not being met. People are feeling increasingly insecure; their quality of sleep has declined; their sense of community has been affected and their sense of meaning has been unmet. To read full report click here.
  • The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s National Helpline has expanded and is now offering a free call-back service, which offers people with dementia and family carers from anywhere in Ireland the opportunity to book a 1:1 session with a Dementia Nurse or a Dementia Adviser during the COVID-19 public health emergency. People with dementia and their family carers who want to avail of this new service can contact the National Helpline to make an appointment which is open six days a week Monday to Friday 10am–5pm and Saturday 10am–4pm on 1800 341 341.
  • IFA has partnered with the HSE on the #HoldFirm campaign for people to stay safe and protect each other.
• IFA has written to the Department of Health to get an update on the status of the Nursing Home Support Scheme (Amendment) Bill. A response is pending.

Upcoming issues

• IFA will continue to support farmers during the current emergency and respond accordingly to their needs.
• Develop an awareness and promotional plan for the Farm Safety Week (20^th to 24^th July).

Chair	Caroline Farrell
Executive	Geraldine O’Sullivan