Labour Party spokesperson on Agriculture & Food, Seán Sherlock TD is urging farmers to apply for the state payment Farm Assist should they find themselves struggling to make ends meet

Responding to the latest Central Bank statistics which show the gap between farm debt levels and farm deposits continues to widen, while there has been an increase in the number of calls to the Farm and Rural Help Stressline from young men in their 30's who are experiencing financial problems, Deputy Sherlock said farm families should not be embarrassed about seeking state assistance.

"Farm Assist is a means-tested income support scheme for farmers. An application can be made to your local social welfare office. I am aware that this year has been very difficult for many farm families particularly those on dairy farms because of poor milk prices. I would urge anyone who is struggling financially to check if they may qualify for the farm assist payment.

"Some farmers have seen their wages plummet while others have been waiting months for grant payments and can access no more credit from their financial institutions. I think it's very important that farm families are made aware of their entitlements."